Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathan Toews’ Winnipeg Jets Homecoming Has Hit a Rough Patch
Excitement was high for Jonathan Toews to come home and play for the Winnipeg Jets, though it hasn’t all gone according to plan.
After more than two years out of hockey, Chicago Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews joined a new team for the first time in his NHL career this summer. It wasn’t just any team, either; it was his hometown Winnipeg Jets, where he is beloved, which added even more excitement on top of his already amazing return story.
While it’s early and Toews is still just getting his feet wet, the initial welcome has worn off, and his play has hit a rut of late. After a relatively solid start with seven points (two goals, five assists) in his first 12 games, the production has cooled off in a big way ever since, to the tune of just two points (one goal, one assist) in the last 16 contests.
Toews has now seen himself drop to the fourth line right wing spot, much to the concern of Jets fans, as said by Locked on Jets host Harrison Lee.
“Jonathan Toews signing has been a bit of a catastrophe. Now on the 4th line at wing and will get, what, $5.5M if he plays 60 games? Good lord,”
The 37-year-old signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Jets this offseason as a UFA. As Lee referred to, the deal involves substantial performance bonuses, including an extra $550,000 for reaching 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 games played, respectively, and another $500,000 if Winnipeg makes the playoffs.
An NHL Return Was Never Going to be Easy for Jonathan Toews
This was always going to be a difficult task for Toews, having not played an NHL game since the 2022-23 campaign, but the Jets are going to need him to get back on track sooner rather than later.
Kevin Cheveldayoff brought the veteran in, needing him to play a key role, presumably as the second-line center, allowing Adam Lowry to remain on the third line where he’s best suited. Unfortunately, projecting a 37-year-old who had been away from the game for so long was a big risk, and they’re starting to see that unfold right in front of them.
While it was seen as a savvy signing at the time for Winnipeg, it could wind up being a costly move not only on the ice but also when it comes to their salary cap, assuming Toews continues to stack up games.
That being said, there’s still plenty of season left for Toews to find his footing, and you can never count out a player with his pedigree.
Next: Mitch Marner is Still Taking Flak for Maple Leafs Playoff Shortcomings
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