There is some talk in Edmonton about Jonathan Toews at 4C, pushing the newly re-signed Derek Ryan to a preferred spot at right wing. Toews is at a crossroads, done with the Blackhawks but reportedly unsure about what comes next.
At 35, Toews would be a one-year, $1-million signing, and could potentially help a young Ryan McLeod the way Mattias Ekholm did Bouchard last season.
But there are serious issues ongoing with Toews, whose health has betrayed him in recent years. Duncan Keith, the Oilers scout/advisor whose portfolio will be increased by Holland this coming season, has been put in charge of monitoring the Toews front.
Toews needs to get his head around hitting the gym for one more run at a Cup before his Hall of Fame career comes to a close. If not, then it's been a helluva run. But given his age, the Oilers — or any team — can't have 50 per cent of whatever Toews has left in the tank.
