Jonathan Toews tormented the St. Louis Blues for the entirety of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, and he's making an NHL comeback with another Central Division rival.
Toews signed with his hometown Winnipeg Jets, the team announced on Friday. It's a one-year contract with several bonuses for the former Blackhawks captain.
“We are excited to add a proven winner like Jonathan Toews to the Winnipeg Jets,” said Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. “It will be a unique opportunity for Jonathan to play for his hometown team. His talent, drive, and experience will be a great complement to our club. We will withhold further comment until July 1.”
Toews last played in the NHL on April 13, 2023. He scored a goal in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in Chicago.
“I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets,” Toews said. “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.”
Prior to signing with Winnipeg, Toews played 1,067 games over the course of his 15-year career with the Blackhawks. But the team that he played against the most? You guessed it, our St. Louis Blues. He has 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games against the Blues -- one more contest than his 66 played against the Nashville Predators.
Toews and the Blackhawks also eliminated the Blues in the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs with
Now, Toews is joining the team that just eliminated the Blues in tragic fashion in seven games. We'll have to mark our calendars for Toews' return to St. Louis.