One of Winnipeg’s most-decorated professional athletes is coming home.
The Winnipeg Jets announced Friday morning that Jonathan Toews is returning to his hometown next NHL season and suiting up for the Jets on a one-year contract.
As per NHL rules, the Jets can’t make the deal official until the contract has been signed and registered with the league office on July 1.
Toews, 37, who grew up in St. Vital, is known throughout the hockey world for his impeccable resume — which includes three Stanley Cups in five years as captain of the Chicago Blackhawks and international acclaim for Canada, earning two Olympic gold medals, a World Championship gold, World Cup of Hockey gold and two World Junior gold medals.
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His trophy case includes Conn Smythe, Selke and Mark Messier Leadership awards.
“We are excited to add a proven winner like Jonathan Toews to the Winnipeg Jets,” general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said.
“It will be a unique opportunity for Jonathan to play for his hometown team. His talent, drive and experience will be a great complement to our club. We will withhold further comment until July 1.”
Health issues caused Toews to step back from his 16-season career with the Blackhawks, with ailments including chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long COVID keeping him off the ice, although he had been actively working toward an NHL comeback in recent years.
“I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets,” he said.
“It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons, and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can.”
The timing of Toews’ addition is significant for the Jets because captain Adam Lowry is not expected to be fully recovered from off-season hip surgery until at least late October. Winnipeg could still further bolster themselves at the centre ice position when the free agent market opens on July 1. But Toews will now be an option down the middle for second or third line duties to start the season.
The 6-2, 201 pound veteran left shot pivot also figures to improve what has been weak area for Winnipeg in recent seasons, with a 57.3 per cent career mark on faceoffs. Over the past three years the Jets have not ranked any higher than 21st overall in faceoff percentage.
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