Latest news with #Toews
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Meet The New Guy: Jonathan Toews
Jets sign hockey legend and Winnipeg native Jonathan Toews to one-year deal in the hopes of gaining an impactful second line centre. The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a historic season, where they hit franchise bests across the board but with it coming to an end, they were forced to make some tough decisions. Longtime winger Nikolaj Ehlers left in free agency and the team really needed a big time signing to bring them back with one coming from a surprising place. Midway through last season, three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews said he was looking to make a return to hockey with one true team on his mind for the return. The Winnipeg native would go on to his childhood team and give the Jets a much needed add to their lineup. There's been recent debate throughout the league on how the Florida Panthers have been so successful with one of the leading causes being Sam Bennett listed as their second line centre. Contending teams look at the Panthers lineup with a first line of star talent followed by another anchor up the middle with Bennett. The second line centre spot has become a priority for certian teams and the Jets will see a significant improvement in this area. Vladislav Namestnikov manned the role for a majority of last season and put up just under 40 points for the second straight season. Winnipeg would love to get a higher end point producer in this role and Toews could open up some doors. Although Toews is closer to a 40-point producer at 37 years old, he can fill the all-important role of the defensive centre that helps keep opposing offences at bay like Adam Lowry. The captain will be sidelined for a majority of the season and Toews could step into the role while Namestnikov takes advantage of easier matchups on the third line and hopefully leads to more points. Toews' role on the team will be crucial as early lineup projections have him listed as the centre for the second power play unit and could use his prowess in the faceoff dot to win clutch draws. Only time will tell if his return to hockey will be an impactful one but the main belief throughout the organization after seeing him in a workout is that he will be able to play a meaningful role as Winnipeg had to fend off several other teams to land their hometown product. In addition to winning multiple Stanley Cups, Toews has earned several gold medals with Team Canada and won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward in 2013. He was also a finalist for the award three other times. Toews received the Mark Messier Leadership Award, showcasing his strong leadership qualities, which will be crucial in Lowry's absence. Over 1,067 NHL games, he recorded 372 goals and 511 assists for a total of 883 points, along with a +148 rating. He added 119 points in 137 playoff games across ten postseason appearances, bringing a wealth of experience to the most intense and demanding situations. Winnipeg's Best Individual Performances During their Historic 2024-25 Season Looking back at the most impressive single-game performances from the Jets historic 2024-25 season.
Global News
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Winnipeg Jets announce 2025-26 regular season schedule
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook The Winnipeg Jets have released their regular season schedule for 2025-26. The club unveiled its 82-game calendar Wednesday for the upcoming season, which begins at home against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 9. Among the highlights are an eight-game homestand at Canada Life Centre in early March, two games against former Jets coach Paul Maurice and his Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in January, and nine back-to-back games over the course of the season. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The team, along with the rest of the league, takes a lengthy break — 20 days for the Jets — to make room for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. The full schedule can be seen on the team's website, and all games will be broadcast on 680 CJOB and simulcast on Power 97. Story continues below advertisement 3:00 Toews says childhood memories 'flooded back' in 'surreal' moment becoming a Winnipeg Jet
Miami Herald
13-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
If Jonathan Toews Falters, Will The Jets Have A Plan B? Cap Space Says Yes
When the Winnipeg Jets announced that longtime NHL star center Jonathan Toews would be returning to hockey's top league playing for his hometown Jets, you couldn't have asked for a better human-interest story. Toews had been out of the NHL for the past two seasons, dealing with a host of health issues. But agreeing to a one-year contract with Winnipeg could allow the 37-year-old Toews to push the Jets far deeper in the Stanley Cup playoffs – and maybe, just maybe, win a championship at the sport's highest level. All that is the best possible outcome for Toews and the Jets. But the question has to be asked – what if things don't turn out as planned for the three-time Cup-winner? What if Toews can't get back to speed and he can't fulfill the duties associated with a second-line center? Well, for one thing, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has hedged his bet on Toews, giving him a performance-bonus deal that has a $2-million salary cap hit with bonuses that could boost the cap hit to $7 million if Winnipeg wins next year's Cup. Winnipeg will happily pay that money to Toews if everything goes right, but let's be pessimistic for a moment and assume that Toews' comeback attempt falls short. What can the Jets do to stay in Cup contention in a world without Toews playing well for them? In that regard, here's what is clear thus far: Cheveldayoff has managed his cap situation very well, as the Jets currently have $19.89 million in cap space. Winnipeg may spend some of that money on an upgrade for the Jets' group of forwards. But even if Winnipeg uses some of that cap space, Cheveldayoff has given himself insurance of sorts to deal with what could turn out to be a hole in the team's second-line center spot. For instance, let's say that the Anaheim Ducks don't perform very well out of the gate next year. There might be a circumstance in which newly signed Ducks center Mikael Granlund wants to play for a Cup contender. And while Granlund now has a full no-trade clause in his new deal with Anaheim, playing on a Jets team that was the top regular-season team in the league last season could appeal to Granlund. And Granlund's $7-million per-season contract, which runs for next season and an additional two years, could easily fit under Winnipeg's current salary structure. On the other hand, Toews' situation could pan out very well – and if that's what turns out to be the case, Cheveldayoff will be able to use his remaining cap space on high-end wingers to give the Jets incredible depth throughout their lineup. But that money doesn't necessarily have to be spent anytime soon. And being careful with Toews means that there needs to be a Plan B if things don't work out as hoped with the longtime Chicago Blackhawks superstar. Every talented NHL executive always has to plot out different scenarios as it pertains to their team's potential for success. And that's what we're seeing from Cheveldayoff in regard to Toews. The investment Winnipeg has made in Toews could be one of the final pieces of a championship puzzle for the Jets, but if it doesn't, thanks to his expert cap management, Cheveldayoff will have other solid options to get the job done. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on Copyright The Hockey News, Roustan Media Ltd.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jonathan Toews opens up about personal and physical battle and sparks concern with honest admission during Winnipeg Jets NHL return press conference
Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks (Credit: Getty Images) On Friday, Jonathan Toews returned to the NHL spotlight in a heartfelt press conference as he was introduced as the newest member of the Winnipeg Jets. The 37-year-old forward, born and raised in Winnipeg, signed a one-year deal to join his hometown team for the 2025-26 season. Now, after a unique and restorative journey that included an Ayurvedic detox retreat in India, Toews is attempting a fresh start where it all began. Despite his optimism, some of his comments during the press conference have sparked concern across the hockey world. Concerns rise as Jonathan Toews questions his NHL readiness One moment that stood out came when Jonathan Toews admitted to doubts about whether his body could still keep up with the speed and demands of today's NHL. Although he expressed confidence in his hockey sense and puck skills, he acknowledged lingering questions about his skating and conditioning. His openness struck a chord with fans, many of whom have fond memories of his leadership and consistency during his Chicago Blackhawks years. However, others worry that a long absence combined with a faster league might limit his effectiveness. There's also the mental aspect of returning to top-tier hockey after such a prolonged break. Even Toews admitted he had mentally prepared for the idea of never playing again. That kind of internal conflict shows the emotional toll his health struggles have taken. Jonathan Toews relies on hometown support for new NHL chapter W hat makes Jonathan Toews' return even more meaningful is the fact that he will be playing in front of family and lifelong friends. He took a moment during the press conference to acknowledge his mother, clearly moved by the significance of the day. Jonathan Toews' story is one of resilience, but the real test will come once the season starts. Whether he can match the league's intensity remains to be seen. For now, the NHL watches with hopeful curiosity as a legend attempts to write one final chapter on home ice. Also Read: What Connor McDavid's mindset looks like now, according to insiders' view on Oilers contract extension drama For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Jonathan Toews' homecoming: ‘I couldn't see myself wearing any other jersey'
Jonathan Toews' homecoming press conference was celebratory in tone, beyond that of any Winnipeg Jets player signing that came before it. It was attended by Mayor Scott Gillingham, Premier Wab Kinew, Toews' parents, extended family and a group of Jets season-seat holders who won a contest — the first of its kind for Winnipeg, with the right to attend Toews' unveiling as the prize. The media contingent was outsized, buoyed in part by the Mayor and Premier's attendance — the first-ever player signing announcement that either had attended — larger than the contingent that covered Game 7 between Winnipeg and St. Louis. When Toews' name was announced, most of the gathered crowd cheered. Advertisement Such was the unveiling of Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and immediately the Jets' most decorated signing. He was born and raised in Winnipeg, speaks English and French fluently and has as many Cup rings as the rest of Winnipeg's roster combined. Toews' name is on the Dakota Community Centre and a lake, some 95 kilometres north of Flin Flon and, from this day forward, it is on Jets jerseys stitched with the No. 19. After 15 years with the Chicago Blackhawks and two years spent searching the world for answers to his health problems, Winnipeg's most accomplished NHL hockey player has been unveiled as one of its own. Toews told the sizable audience that, despite interest from multiple teams, Winnipeg felt like the only choice. 'It really got to a point where I couldn't see myself wearing any other jersey,' Toews said. 'It wasn't something where you write down the pros and cons on a piece of paper. To me, it wasn't rational at all: It was more of an intuitive thing where it just felt right.' Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was the first to speak at length, sharing a story from the press conference that first announced his hiring. Cheveldayoff recalled that, in a back room away from the gathered media, True North Chairman Mark Chipman had asked him: 'Do you think that Jonathan Toews would ever wear a Jets jersey? Do you ever think he would come home?' Cheveldayoff then shared his pride in sending Chipman a text last week confirming that Toews was a Jet. His voice broke as he did so, conveying the realization of a long-held Jets dream. One of the most decorated hockey players in the history of our province is coming home 💙 — Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 4, 2025 Toews, 37, may not be capable of delivering the Conn Smythe level of performance from 2010, back when he was 22 years old. His dream, at this stage of his career, is different. Toews nearly had his career taken away from him by Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and symptoms of long COVID. His digestive system stopped working the way it was supposed to. There were times he couldn't get out of bed. Toews' last NHL game was on April 13, 2023, and he's been all over the world in search of medicine that works for him. Advertisement When asked about his decision to pursue an Ayurvedic detox called a Panchakarma, Toews says a big part of the decision was that nothing else was working for him. 'When you try enough things and they don't work, it's frustrating,' Toews said. 'I got to the point where there was no rhyme or reason, so whatever showed up, I was like, 'Alright. I'll give it a shot.'' The broad strokes of Toews' journey are known … He's achieved a level of health that has allowed him to train as an elite athlete again. Most importantly for Toews, he's in position to find out what kind of NHL player he can be. At 37 years old, can he still help a team win hockey games? Can he endure the rigors of an NHL season? What about the playoffs, where Toews' career points-per-game is even higher than it is during the regular season? When Toews talks about the challenge in front of him, his approach sounds like a homecoming on a personal and professional level. There were times when the demands of an NHL season lost their charm, particularly when his health was failing. Toews framed his homecoming in terms of gratitude, invoking his childhood joy upon discovering hockey as a passion before it became a career. 'The closer I got to making a decision, the reality started sinking in — how special it was,' Toews said. 'And all the memories flooded back from my childhood of why and when I fell in love with the game of hockey. It all started by being a young kid and going to the Winnipeg Arena.' Toews says he was caught up in the atmosphere of the Winnipeg Whiteout as a kid, even before fully understanding what was happening on the ice. A trip down memory lane with Tazer🔥 — Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 5, 2025 'It's just surreal to be sitting here right now, putting this jersey on,' Toews said. 'It's that new feeling, like you're getting drafted again. You're a young kid. There's definitely that excitement, that motivation to come in. I haven't played in a couple of years, so I'm just really, really blessed to be able to have the chance to play the game of hockey again at this level, let alone for the Winnipeg Jets.' Advertisement There are many levels on which Toews' homecoming has the potential to be a perfect story for Winnipeg. That he signed with the Jets at all bucks a trend among free agents. Nikolaj Ehlers' departure from the Hurricanes was emotional, for example — Scott Arniel said on Friday that Ehlers called him, almost in tears, to let him know he'd chosen a change of scenery — but it was still a departure. Toews, 37, may not be capable of the impact Ehlers has, but he's a Winnipegger who chose Winnipeg and is more accomplished by leaps and bounds. Friday's enormous media contingent, with interest from the mayor and premier, reflects the existing enormity of the story; if Toews proves himself capable of influencing the outcome of a playoff series like he could in his younger days, the story will grow well beyond its already large scope. Arniel felt thrilled when the possibility of signing Toews emerged — and again after speaking to captains Adam Lowry, Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele, among Winnipeg's other leaders. 'It was unanimous,' Arniel said. 'It will be a big benefit for us both on the ice and off the ice. We just went through free agency, I mean, there's a lot of names at the top of the list of who is a free agent, but I'd like to think we got the best one.' Arniel declined to detail his plans for Toews' minutes, load management, and linemates, but admitted he's started to think about all of it. He shared that, during his first conversations with Toews, the 37-year-old Winnipegger insisted that he earn whatever opportunity he receives. ''I'll start on the fourth line,'' Arniel recalls Toews saying. 'I'm thinking, 'Yeah I don't think that will go over very well.'' Lowry's recovery from hip surgery creates an opening at centre, whether you refer to his job as second-line or third. Toews will most likely step into a middle-six role, with an abundance of wingers for Arniel to choose from, including Cole Perfetti, Gustav Nyquist, Alex Iafallo and Nino Niederreiter. For Toews, it doesn't matter who he plays with. It matters that he has the opportunity to play NHL hockey at all. He says he is not the same person or player that he used to be. At one point, while describing the challenges of his health journey, Toews said, 'Youth is wasted on the young.' He spoke to the way life can throw curveballs, while stressing that he doesn't see himself as a victim and wants to keep growing as a person. Advertisement 'I'm just happy to get the chance to play hockey again and just have that energy and that enthusiasm,' Toews said. 'Knowing that, regardless, we all retire at some point. Who knows when that will be, but for now, I get to go out and put this sweater on and be part of this team and just enjoy all the good, and maybe the not-so-good, of what it takes to be an NHL hockey player and knowing that the time is limited for all of us. Just really connecting with that childhood passion again is really important.'
