Well a veteran who’s making his comeback has made a big decision. Jonathan Toews, who has only ever played for the Chicago Blackhawks, has announced today that his intent is that the contract he signs will be with the Winnipeg Jets. It will be nice for the veteran to sign near his hometown, as he is originally from the Manitoba capital.
Hearing that Jonathan Toews has an agreement to sign with the Winnipeg Jets. The contract can’t be registered until July 1.
But Toews has decided to join his hometown Jets according to league sources.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 20, 2025
Jonathan Toews Decides When He Can that he Signs With the Winnipeg Jets
The deal cannot be finalized until July 1st, but this is what Pierre LeBrun is reporting from Toews and Jets camp.
This decision is quite a big one for Toews and Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. Toews has not played in the NHL since the 2022-23 season. The reason was he had been dealing with some health issues. He had been dealing with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome, as well as effects of long-COVID. Furthermore, he had missed the entire 2020-21 campaign, as well as time near the end of the last season he played. However, since that time, he’s has been working hard on his comeback. Most importantly, he never lost his passion. Signing in his hometown is good for player and team in this case.
Toews has played 15 seasons in the NHL and won three Stanley Cups. He’s already eclipsed 1000 career regular season games and has 883 points. Moreover, his last year, despite dealing with his health, was still relatively productive. He had recorded 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games. He and his new team, the Jets, will hope he can pick up right where he left off.
What Does This Mean for Winnipeg
For Winnipeg, this move makes a ton of sense. For a team trying to get over that proverbial hump of regular season contenders to playoff pretenders, his experience will be invaluable. Plus adding a centre to the group, who can play anywhere if need be, and in any role, will be a huge benefit. Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry could only benefit from his abilities and voice in the locker room. Of course, that is assuming he can bounce back. It is not a certainty he has fully recovered and it will still be a tough road ahead. However, having a team that is willing to work with him, and plus the potential upside he brings, makes the deal work.
Main Photo Credit: David Banks – Imagn Images
