Jonathan Toews has officially returned to the NHL, signing a one-year, $2 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets following a two-year hiatus. The three-time Stanley Cup champion expressed his excitement for rejoining his hometown team, noting it reignited his passion for the game. Toews, who last played in April 2023, stepped away from the sport due to health issues related to chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID-19. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has long harbored dreams of bringing Toews to Winnipeg, recalling moments from his Chicago days with the Blackhawks.

The Jets are coming off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, but they recently lost winger Nikolaj Ehlers to the Carolina Hurricanes. Toews’ return could provide the Jets with a significant boost as they seek to build on their prior success and drive deep into the playoffs.