The Winnipeg Jets signed former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews to a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.
The deal includes a $2-million base salary with several bonuses tied to games played, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Toews hasn’t played in an NHL game since the 2022-23 season due to health issues. The contract can’t officially be registered until July 1, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun notes.
“I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. 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 37-year-old center revealed he was interested in an NHL comeback in December. He confirmed his commitment in May.
Toews stepped away from hockey due to chronic inflammatory response syndrome and symptoms of long COVID. These conditions forced him to miss the entire 2020-21 season plus two months of his most recent campaign.
He traveled to India for a five-week detox program as part of his recovery process.
Multiple teams reportedly showed interest in signing Toews at the March trade deadline. However, he said he planned to wait until the 2025-26 season to return.
Championship Resume
Toews is one of the most accomplished players of his generation. He won three Stanley Cups as Chicago’s captain, plus two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup of Hockey with Team Canada.
His individual awards include a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and a Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward.
He’s recorded 883 points in 1,067 career games and added 119 points in 137 playoff contests.
Homecoming for Jets
Toews is a Winnipeg native. The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy this past season but lack center depth behind their top players.
Winnipeg had approximately $26.4 million in cap space before signing Toews, according to PuckPedia.
The club’s most important free agents this offseason are pending unrestricted free agent Nikolaj Ehlers and restricted free agent Gabriel Vilardi.
