Mark Scheifele calls Jonathan Toews' Jets homecoming 'the perfect storm' as veteran sparks Winnipeg's big hopes
The Winnipeg Jets made one of the
NHL
's most talked-about offseason moves when they brought hometown legend Jonathan Toews back to Manitoba. For fans, it's a storybook reunion. For Mark Scheifele, the Jets' star center, it's what he calls a 'perfect storm'—the timing of Toews' decision to return after two years away from hockey aligned perfectly with Winnipeg's need to strengthen its depth down the middle.
Mark Scheifele hails Jonathan Toews' Winnipeg Jets comeback
Jonathan Toews signed a one-year, $2 million deal, with as much as $5 million in performance bonuses at stake. At 37 and after a long battle with chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long COVID symptoms, the question isn't whether he's still the same player—he's not—but how much of his experience and leadership can tilt Winnipeg's fortunes in a tightly contested Western Conference.
Scheifele, for one, is thrilled to have him back.
'I thought it kind of was the perfect storm almost,' Scheifele told NHL.com's Derek Van Diest. 'Coming back to Winnipeg, coming back from not playing for a couple of years, I thought it all made so much sense. I was obviously hoping that we were the front-runner and we're very excited to have him.'
The Jets enter the new campaign with captain Adam Lowry sidelined by hip surgery, creating a clear opportunity for Toews to seize a meaningful role.
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He'll likely compete with Vladislav Namestnikov for the No. 2 center spot, a challenge that gives him a chance to make an immediate impact despite his two-year absence.
A legend's return brings experience and hope to Winnipeg
Toews' last NHL season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022–23 ended with 15 goals and 16 assists across 53 games. While those numbers may not mirror his prime, the resume speaks for itself: three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Selke Trophy, all across 15 unforgettable years in Chicago.
What excites Scheifele most, however, is what Toews brings beyond the stat sheet. 'Obviously he's a legend, not just in the NHL but Winnipeg especially,' Scheifele said. 'He's obviously really excited to get back playing hockey and to be with our group. I'm very excited to have a guy with his stature and his experience and all the above. I'm really excited to play with him.'
For Toews, this is more than just a comeback—it's a chance to lace up in front of family and friends where it all began. For Winnipeg, it's a gamble worth taking, one that could reshape the Jets' season if the veteran center finds even a glimpse of his old rhythm.
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