In the season opener against Dallas, all eyes were on Jonathan Toews as he took the ice with the Winnipeg Jets. The Winnipeg native received a warm welcome from the packed arena, expressing gratitude for the energetic reception.
Toews, at 37 years old, marked his return to the NHL after a hiatus since April 13, 2023, with the Chicago Blackhawks. Playing in his 1,068th regular-season game, he logged 18:19 minutes of playtime and managed one shot on goal in a close 5-4 defeat for the Jets.
Having faced health challenges related to chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long-term effects of COVID-19, the three-time Stanley Cup winner and former Blackhawks captain felt optimistic about his performance, mentioning that he was nearing game-ready condition.
Teaming up with Gustav Nyquist and Nikita Chibrikov on the second line, Toews acknowledged areas for improvement in his play, particularly focusing on initiating plays off faceoffs and enhancing overall team performance. Despite the loss, Toews highlighted positive moments and expressed eagerness to progress further in upcoming games.
Jets coach Scott Arniel commended Toews’ effort, noting improvements in his gameplay during the match. The Dallas Stars also praised Toews for his return to the league, emphasizing the positive impact of having such a seasoned player back on the ice.
Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan recognized Toews’ skill and physical presence on the ice, acknowledging his enduring talent despite the break from competitive play. The overall sentiment from both teams reflected support and respect for Toews’ comeback to professional hockey.