The Winnipeg Jets have taken a calculated risk, a smart gamble, in inking hometown hero Jonathan Toews to a one-year contract laden with performance bonuses for the 2025-26 season. The move, announced June 20, 2025, brings the three-time Stanley Cup champion back to his roots, but it's the structure of the deal that truly signals a savvy approach by General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
Toews, 37, is returning to the NHL after a two-year hiatus, battling the effects of long COVID and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After extensive rehabilitation, including a journey to India to practice Ayurveda, Toews declared his commitment to playing again, drawing interest from several teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning. Ultimately, the pull of playing in Winnipeg, in front of family and friends, proved too strong.
The contract details, revealed by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman and the Winnipeg Free Press, highlight the Jets' measured approach. Toews will receive a base salary of $2 million, a reasonable figure for a player of his pedigree, even with the recent health challenges. The real kicker lies in the potential bonuses, which could elevate the total value of the contract to a maximum of $5 million.
Toews can earn $550,000 bonuses for every 20 regular season games he plays, starting after 20 games. He will also receive a $500,000 bonus if the Jets make the playoffs and he appears in 50 or more games. Furthermore, Toews can earn $250,000 for each playoff round Winnipeg wins, assuming he participates in at least 50 percent of the games, and a $1 million bonus if the Jets win the Stanley Cup.
This bonus-heavy structure is a win-win for both the team and the player. For Toews, it provides significant financial incentive to perform and contribute to the team's success. It acknowledges his past accomplishments while simultaneously challenging him to prove he can still play at a high level after his time away from the game.
For the Jets, the risk is minimal. The $2 million base salary is manageable within the team's cap structure. The bonuses only kick in if Toews is healthy, productive, and helping the team win. If he struggles or is unable to stay in the lineup, the Jets aren't on the hook for the additional money. In essence, they are paying for performance, not potential.
The timing of the signing is also opportune. Jets captain Adam Lowry is expected to miss the start of the season due to hip surgery, potentially opening a spot for Toews in the lineup. Even when Lowry returns, Toews' experience and leadership could be invaluable in a middle-six role. He provides the Jets with added depth and versatility, and a veteran presence that can help guide younger players.
The Jets have been a consistent playoff team in recent years, but they haven't been able to break through and contend for a Stanley Cup. Adding a player like Toews, with his championship pedigree, could provide the spark they need. His leadership, defensive prowess, and face-off ability are all assets that can contribute to a winning team.
Ultimately, the Jonathan Toews contract is a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Winnipeg Jets. It's a smart gamble that acknowledges Toews' past accomplishments while incentivizing future performance. It's a move that makes sense both sentimentally and cerebrally, and one that could pay dividends for the Jets as they pursue their Stanley Cup aspirations.
