Jonathan Toews' return to Chicago highlights Blackhawks regular season schedule release

In partnership with the NHL, the Blackhawks announced their official schedule for what promises to be a historic season.

It all starts October 7 in Florida against the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers, marking the eighth straight season Chicago opens on the road.

Fans won't have to wait long to pack the United Center. The home opener comes just four days later, an Original Six clash with the Montreal Canadiens on October 11 that promises to be a perfect way to launch the year-long Centennial celebration.

While many surprises are expected, fans are preparing for another emotional night: January 19, when Jonathan Toews will return to Chicago with the Winnipeg Jets for the first time.

As the team announced:

Toews, 37, signed a one-year, $2,000,000 deal with the Jets earlier in the offseason after missing the past two seasons due to health issues. Now, after a long journey, he's ready to have an impact for a team once again.

In 1,067 regular season career games in the NHL, Toews scored 883 points, including 372 goals, and added 119 points in 137 playoff games.

It'll be interesting to see what the organization does to pay tribute to Toews during that game. After all, he left a lasting legacy in Chicago. If he had retired from the NHL, that visit probably could've been for a jersey retirement ceremony. But that should come in a few years.