Winnipeg is set to welcome one of its own as Jonathan Toews, the former captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, is reportedly signing a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets. According to multiple sources, including TSN's Pierre LeBrun, the agreement is in place, with the official registration of the contract expected on July 1st, the opening of free agency.
Toews, a Winnipeg native, is poised to return to the NHL after a two-year absence, during which he focused on his health and recovery. The 37-year-old veteran last played in the 2022-23 season with the Blackhawks. Throughout his career with Chicago, Toews has recorded 372 goals and 511 assists for a total of 883 points in 1,067 games. He was drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2006.
His return marks a significant moment for both Toews and the Jets. After stepping away from professional hockey in 2023, Toews revealed that he had been dealing with the lingering effects of long COVID and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). During his time away from the ice, Toews underwent a holistic healing journey. Despite these challenges, Toews has been vocal about his desire to return to the NHL and has expressed that he feels he still has something to offer the game. In March, Toews told The Athletic, "I'm not satisfied the way things ended in Chicago... It's not about proving anything. It's just that there's something left in the tank and I want to explore that. I want to go have fun, have a blast, play with passion. But at the same time, I still have some high-level hockey left. I want to be able to step away from the game having said that I've given it my all. And I still think there's something left to give.”
The Winnipeg Jets also publicly acknowledged the signing. The team posted an image of Toews on their X page, stating, "The kid from St. Vital is coming home."
Toews brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Jets. He captained the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships in six years (2010, 2013, and 2015) and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. In addition to his Stanley Cup rings, Toews has also been awarded the Selke Trophy in 2013 and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2015. He has also represented Canada on the international stage, winning gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
The Jets are hoping that Toews can bring some of his championship pedigree to their roster. This past season, the Jets won the Presidents' Trophy as the league's best regular-season team. However, they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Stars. The team has an obvious need for depth at center. By adding Toews, the Jets are hoping that his experience and leadership can help them make a deeper run in the playoffs.
