Jonathan Toews reached out to his agent Pat Brisson yesterday to inform him he's 100 percent committed to coming back to the NHL next season. Just spoke with Brisson, who says he will start taking calls from NHL teams on Toews now leading up to July 1. Toews, 37, last played in
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Should the Winnipeg Jets sign Jonathan Toews?
Photo credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images
By Evan Waldner
May 29, 2025, 18:25 EDT
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It’s official: free agent centre Jonathan Toews is gearing up for an NHL return. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, Toews reached out to his agent Pat Brisson on Tuesday to confirm he’s ready for a comeback. Brisson will begin fielding calls from NHL teams ahead of the July 1 free agency period.
And when those calls come in, it feels like the Winnipeg Jets will be at the top of Toews’ destination list.
The 37-year-old is a hometown kid, born and raised in Winnipeg, with deep family ties still in the city. If there’s ever been a time for a reunion, this might be it.
Toews is attempting a return to the NHL after stepping away from the game following the 2022–23 season, when his contract with the Chicago Blackhawks expired. That season, he tallied 15 goals and 31 points in 53 games, while managing the effects of long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome — conditions that ultimately led to his time away.
Drafted third overall by the Blackhawks in 2006, Toews has racked up 372 goals and 883 points in 1,067 career NHL games. He helped end Chicago’s 47-year Stanley Cup drought with a championship in 2010, and added two more in 2013 and 2015. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 after posting seven goals and 29 points in 22 playoff games.
Meanwhile, the Jets are facing a challenge of their own. Captain Adam Lowry recently underwent successful hip surgery and is expected to miss the start of the season. That leaves a significant hole at centre — and Toews could be a perfect solution.
Even if he’s not ready to step into a second-line role, Toews could compete for the third-line centre spot while Lowry recovers. With young centres like Brad Lambert and Brayden Yager still developing, a veteran presence could provide leadership and stability.
Darren Dreger also noted that the Jets are expected to be frontrunners for Toews when the time is right.
Toews will have a long list of clubs with interest. The @NHLJets will be front and centre when the time is right. Could be a great fit.
Jonathan Toews reached out to his agent Pat Brisson yesterday to inform him he's 100 percent committed to coming back to the NHL next season. Just spoke with Brisson, who says he will start taking calls from NHL teams on Toews now leading up to July 1. Toews, 37, last played in
A one-year deal for a hometown legend? It’s low risk, high reward — and it might just be the perfect ending to a storied career.
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