Important development : Jonathan Toews involved in a monster three-team trade?

While there have been some rumors lately that Kane has requested a trade, the same can't really be said for Toews. However, as J.B. Gagné of Go HabsGo.com reports, the Blackhawks captain may very well not say no to joining another NHL team.

According to insider Adrian Dater of ColoradoHockeyNow.com, Toews would love to become a member of the Colorado Avalanche.

That's a big development, especially since Dater is a reliable reporter with a good source in the Avalanche.

On the other hand, Toews' salary of $10.5 million for next season could be a major obstacle for the Avalanche, who don't have that kind of money available on the payroll right now. According to Dater, a three-team deal, where Chicago and another organization would agree to take a portion of the Blackhawks captain's salary, would make Toews' wish come true.

This type of transaction has already been seen in the past when the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the services of David Savard from Columbus while the Detroit Red Wings agreed to assume 50% of the salary of the defenseman in return for a 4th round pick.

Although he slowed down with a production of just 37 points in 71 games last year, having such a player on a team is a real catalyst for his teammates. Plus, with the loss of Nazem Kadri, Toews would be a great option at center for the Avalanche. He'll still need to make room on the payroll, or the team may wait until the trade deadline to acquire him, as he'll be an uncompensated free agent at the end of next season.