After nearly two years away from professional hockey, former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews appears poised for an NHL return—and the Winnipeg Jets are emerging as the most likely destination.
Toews, 37, last played in the NHL during the 2022–23 season, when lingering health issues forced him to take an extended break from the game. Now, with his health reportedly stabilized and his competitive drive intact, Toews and his camp have confirmed he is ready to return to the league.
“Yes, 100 percent. Johnny is feeling great and we’re moving forward,” Toews’ agent, Pat Brisson, told NHL.com earlier this week.
Reports from NHL insiders, including Cam Robinson of EliteProspects and Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, suggest that the Winnipeg Jets have emerged as serious contenders to sign the veteran center. For Toews, a native of Winnipeg, this move would represent a symbolic full-circle moment—returning to play for his hometown team, one that is currently viewed as a Stanley Cup contender.
“There’s some distractingly loud buzz that Jonathan Toews will make his return to the league with the Winnipeg Jets,” Robinson wrote. “It would be a full-circle moment for the former Blackhawks captain. Born and raised in Manitoba, the idea of Toews finishing his career at home, on an already-built Cup contender, has weight.”
Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and six-time NHL All-Star, spent his entire 15-year career in Chicago. He was the face of the Blackhawks dynasty that captured three titles between 2010 and 2015, earning a reputation for leadership, discipline, and playoff excellence. In his last full season (2022–23), he tallied 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 53 games.
Although the Jets have not confirmed formal negotiations, insiders believe Toews would likely be offered a one-year, league-minimum deal worth $775,000, with performance-based bonuses. Such a contract structure allows teams to add proven talent at a low cap hit, while still rewarding a player if he can stay healthy and contribute effectively.
For Winnipeg, the addition of Toews would bring not just on-ice experience, but a strong locker room presence. With Jets center Adam Lowry expected to miss significant time due to injury, Toews could immediately slot into a third-line center role and help stabilize the middle of the lineup.
Still, questions remain. After a long layoff, it’s unclear how Toews’ body will respond to the physical demands of an 82-game NHL season. Yet for a low-cost signing, the upside is clear—and for a Jets team in win-now mode, the risk may be worth it.
There has been no indication that Toews has rejected Winnipeg’s interest. In fact, league insiders suggest that discussions are ongoing and that a signing could be finalized in the coming weeks—potentially even before the July 1 free agency period.
As one of the most respected leaders of his era, Jonathan Toews has little left to prove. But if this comeback takes shape in Winnipeg, it could add one more memorable chapter to an already storied career.
