Jonathan Toews receives surprise promotion ahead of quiet preseason debut with the Winnipeg Jets
Photo credit: NHL.com
The former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews received a surprise promotion ahead of what would turn out to be a quiet preseason debut with the Winnipeg Jets.
For the first time since April 23, 2023, Toews was back on NHL ice for a game. For the first time in his career, he wasn't wearing the Chicago Blackhawks jersey, after 16 seasons in the organization.
He had to step away from the league for the past two seasons due to health issues but announced he was returning this summer after signing a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets.
Last night, he finally made his preseason debut and had a promotion before the game: he wore an "A" on his jersey.
Being named an alternate captain in the preseason doesn't hold the same weight as it does in the regular season, but it's still a recognition of leadership and respect from both teammates and coaches.
Despite the promotion, Toews' return was fairly quiet.
A Quiet Preseason Debut For Jonathan Toews With the Winnipeg Jets
He spent just under 19 minutes on the ice, finishing the game with a -1 plus/minus and no shots on goal.
After the game, Toews was honest about where he's at. Speaking to reporters, he said:
"I felt like I made some plays and, as the game went on, just relaxed a little bit. I think the conditioning is going to come, the jump's going to come and the timing is going to be there too. So you just gotta keep working at it, keep settling in your game and trusting that I'm out there with some really good players..."
He added:
"Feel like (I) can make some mistakes and survive a shift. When you get that feeling, you get a bit more confidence to go out there and make plays."
And on returning after such a long layoff, Toews stated that he must get used to many things:
"It's been a while, but even just being here in Winnipeg, being in a new locker room, lot of things to get used to. At the same time, those nerves feel good and it's just exciting to play hockey again."
Preseason games don't mean much, and fans are eager to see what Toews will do on the ice with the full regular Jets lineup on the bench.
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