Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is aware that he might not be in the Windy City for much longer, but he acknowledges that a change might not be the worst thing for all parties involved.
"It's still a difficult question to answer 'cause there's a part of myself that still doesn't really want to admit the situation and also wants to continue being a Blackhawk and finish my career here," Toews said in an interview with NBC Sports Chicago's Charlie Roumeliotis.
"But at the same time, there's a part of me that sees the writing on the wall and sees that this team, this organization, is trying to hit the reset button and that maybe a change for everybody is not such a bad thing, and that goes for myself as well."
Toews and teammate Patrick Kane are playing out the final season of identical eight-year, $84-million contracts.
Kane is seen as the hotter trade target between the two longtime Blackhawks. He chipped in with 26 goals and 66 points in 78 games last season, but he hasn't been as productive in 2022-23 with just eight tallies through 38 contests.
Toews, meanwhile, has 12 goals and 12 assists in 40 games this campaign. He missed the entire 2020-21 season while dealing with chronic immune response syndrome and put up 37 points in 71 contests during his return in 2021-22.
"For myself, it's just kind of a tricky situation," Toews said. "(It's) the last year of my contract, and I haven't played my best hockey in some time. So, I'm not sure what the opportunities (are) or what's going to come knocking.
"But there's no doubt in my mind, again, I'm focusing on my game, trying to improve that every single day and trying to enjoy just playing the game, being a Blackhawk as long as I can, for however long that is and while it still lasts."
Kane recently said that he expects to meet with general manager Kyle Davidson soon and that he's been in touch with his agent, Pat Brisson, on a frequent basis.
Chicago currently sits in the league's basement with an 11-26-4 record following Saturday's 8-5 defeat to the Seattle Kraken.
The trade deadline is March 3 at 3 p.m. ET.
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