Chicago Blackhawks centre Jonathan Toews (19) is shown during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, in Tampa, Fla. on Jan. 21, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/ AP Chris O’Meara)
Jonathan Toews, the hometown kid from St. Vital, is returning to the NHL to join the Winnipeg Jets.
The 37-year-old Winnipeg-born star can’t officially sign a contract until July 1, but the Jets have announced that he’s “coming home” for the 2025-26 season.
“I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets,” Toews said in a release. “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.”
In social media posts on Friday, the Jets featured Toews’ career highlights in a video montage, while also posting a photo from outside the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex at the Dakota Community Centre with the message “he’s home” on their sign. Toews grew up playing hockey at the Dakota Street rink and returned in recent years to hoist the Stanley Cup for community celebrations.
According to TSN, Toews will earn $2 million USD in base salary with the Jets, and up to $5 million in bonuses.
The exact terms of the contract won’t be known until next month, but the Jets noted Toews is part of a one-year deal with the hockey club.
Toews has three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013 and 2015) to his name with the Chicago Blackhawks, along with two Olympic gold medals for Canada (2010 and 2014), but hasn’t played professionally since 2023 due to health concerns.
The Jets were one of two teams, alongside the Colorado Avalanche, being rumoured as potential landing spots for Toews to make his NHL comeback next season.
JONATHAN TOEWS IS A WINNIPEG JET pic.twitter.com/YY9JY0C0Xo
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 20, 2025
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) June 20, 2025
