Jonathan Toews: Beyond the Glory
Jonathan Toews, the Winnipeg native and veteran NHL player, has recently made headlines with his return to the ice after a prolonged absence due to health issues. Now playing for his hometown Winnipeg Jets, Toews is facing new challenges and embracing a fresh chapter in his career.
Toews' journey back to the NHL has been far from easy. After his last game in April 2023, he missed two seasons, battling health issues related to chronic inflammatory response syndrome, stemming from a COVID-19 infection in early 2020. This difficult period raised questions about his future in hockey, but Toews remained determined to overcome the obstacles and return to the sport he loves.
Selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Toews quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. From 2008 to 2023, he served as the captain, leading the team to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Known as "Captain Serious" for his focused and determined demeanor, Toews also earned a reputation as one of the game's premier leaders. His accolades include the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 as the most valuable player in the playoffs and a Selke Trophy. Furthermore, he secured two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014. In 2017, Toews was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players.
Now at 37, Toews signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets in July 2025. This marked his return to the NHL after a significant hiatus, and also his first time playing for a team other than the Blackhawks. Toews has expressed his excitement about joining the Jets and contributing to the team's success.
"I've always been pretty confident that my game is in there," Toews said in a recent interview. "I watch hockey and I can still see things that I did well, and things that I understood about the game - things that a lot of young players with tons of skill and tons of energy, flying all over the ice, still have to learn. I had confidence I could go in and contribute."
In the current season, Toews has been centering Winnipeg's second line and playing on the second power-play unit. In 10 games, he has recorded five points (two goals, three assists). While acknowledging that there is room for improvement, Toews remains focused on getting up to speed and making a meaningful impact. "It's been good, but not great," Toews said about his season so far. "At the end of the day, I'm just trying to go out there and play loose, play with some confidence."
Jets coach Scott Arniel has praised Toews' progress and expects him to become more comfortable and productive as the season progresses. "Every day he has gotten better," Arniel said.
Recently, Toews faced his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, for the first time as a member of the Jets. This matchup was an emotional one for Toews, who spent 16 seasons with the Blackhawks and created countless memories there. "Overall, I think there's still a connection to the organization and the city of Chicago," Toews said.
As Jonathan Toews continues his NHL journey with the Winnipeg Jets, he carries with him a legacy of leadership, skill, and perseverance. Beyond the glory of past championships and individual achievements, Toews is now focused on contributing to his new team and embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
