Jonathan Toews was in the spotlight as the Winnipeg Jets hit the ice for their season opener against Dallas on Thursday night. The Winnipeg native was greeted with a raucous ovation from the capacity crowd upon his introduction.
Reflecting on the enthusiastic reception, Toews expressed, “Just a lot of energy, a lot of excitement. I’m just trying to contain myself there.” The 37-year-old center, returning to the NHL after his last game on April 13, 2023, with the Chicago Blackhawks, played 18:19 minutes in his 1,068th regular-season game. Despite registering just one shot on goal in the Jets’ 5-4 defeat, the three-time Stanley Cup winner and former Chicago captain made his presence felt.
Toews, who had been sidelined for the past two seasons due to health issues stemming from chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long-term effects of COVID-19, shared that he felt “close” to being in game shape. He skated on the second line alongside Gustav Nyquist and Nikita Chibrikov, emphasizing the need for improvement in certain aspects of his play, particularly in faceoff situations.
Jets coach Scott Arniel noted the gradual progression in Toews’ performance throughout the game, observing positive developments in the second period. Arniel acknowledged that the team as a whole faced challenges in the match, with room for improvement in subsequent games.
The return of Toews to NHL action was well-received by both teammates and opponents. Dallas Stars player Mikko Rantanen expressed his happiness at seeing Toews back on the ice, highlighting the significance of his comeback for the league. Stars coach Glen Gulutzan commended Toews for his strong showing despite the extended absence from competitive play, emphasizing his enduring talent and impact on the game.
