Surprising development in Jonathan Toews' return to the NHL: "I've never seen anything like this

Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is back in the NHL, signing a 1 year contract with the Winnipeg Jets for 2025-26.

Toews was informed by the Blackhawks that he wouldn't be re-signed after his contract ran out in 2023, signaling the end of an era in Chicago. That year, the Blackhawks also moved on from his longtime teammate Patrick Kane, who was traded to the New York Rangers; he's now with the former divisional foe Detroit Red Wings.

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who signed Toews to the contract, said that he's never seen Toews as excited and enthusiastic as he is now.

In his most recent year in the NHL in Chicago, Toews had 31 points (15G, 16A) in 53 games.

It's been a long time since Toews has last played an NHL game, having last played in April of 2023 with the Blackhawks.

He was affected by symptoms from Long-Covid, along with a 2021 diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

Thankfully, Toews has been cleared by doctors to compete again and made it clear through his agent that he was ready to come back to the NHL.

The Jets took a waiver on him and signed him to a 1 year contract, hoping that he can help the club that won last year's President's Trophy go further in the playoffs next spring.