The Winnipeg Jets announced the signing of Jonathan Toews this offseason, and center Mark Scheifele couldn’t be more excited about the veteran addition.
“I thought it kind of was the perfect storm almost,” Scheifele said Saturday, per NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest. “Coming back to Winnipeg, coming back from not playing for a couple of years, I thought it all made so much sense. I was obviously hoping that we were the front-runner and we’re very excited to have him.”
The Jets signed Toews to a one-year deal worth $2 million with an additional $5 million in potential performance bonuses. The 37-year-old center is making his NHL return after missing two full seasons.
Toews stepped away from hockey while battling chronic inflammatory response syndrome and symptoms of long COVID.
It’s a homecoming for the Winnipeg native, who’s returning to play professional hockey in his birth city for the first time.
“Obviously he’s a legend, not just in the NHL but Winnipeg especially,” Scheifele said. “I had a number of conversations with him this summer. He’s obviously really excited to get back playing hockey and to be with our group. I’m very excited to have a guy with his stature and his experience and all the above. I’m really excited to play with him.”
Opportunity for Immediate Impact
Toews could step into a significant role right away. Captain Adam Lowry is expected to miss the start of the season while recovering from hip surgery.
That leaves Toews and Vladislav Namestnikov competing for the second center position behind Scheifele.
Toews addressed concerns about his conditioning earlier this offseason, saying his “hands are still there; the feet will catch up.”
His last NHL action came during the 2022-23 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Toews recorded 31 points in 53 games that season, posting 15 goals and 16 assists.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion spent his entire 15-year career with Chicago before stepping away. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and the Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward during his time with the Blackhawks.
