Jets want to be in mix for Jonathan Toews’ potential comeback

If Jonathan Toews decides that an NHL return is in his future, count the Winnipeg Jets among his interested suitors.

“Certainly if he’s progressing to that point in time, it would be a real welcome conversation to see if there’s a fit both ways,” Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff told Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press. “I think it would be a great story for his career, too. Not that he needs another story to his career. But I think he’s proud of his roots and would be an interesting fit.”

Hailing from the Manitoba capital, signing with Winnipeg would be an opportunity for Toews to play in his hometown following a 15-year run with the Chicago Blackhawks that was underscored by three Stanley Cup championships.

Last suiting up for 53 games during the 2022-23 campaign, Toews has since been sidelined in an effort to focus on health challenges. However, earlier this month, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli indicated that Toews has resumed skating as part of his comeback bid, and that the Jets could be one of a handful of clubs interested in recruiting the future Hall of Famer.

Should Toews sign with Winnipeg, it would also mark a reunion with Cheveldayoff, who previously served as assistant general manager of the Blackhawks from 2009-11 and helped guide the club to its 2010 Stanley Cup title, its first of three wins in a six-year period. With the Jets, Toews could have a solid opportunity to claim his fourth Stanley Cup ring as Winnipeg currently sits atop the Western Conference with a 31-14-3 record and 65 points.

“[Toews] knows the standard he would have to be at, and we would certainly hope to be in that mix,” Cheveldayoff added. “We haven’t chatted in the last little while, but I certainly had some conversations with his representatives with respect to where things were.”

In order to participate in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Toews must sign prior to the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

Through 1,067 career games with the Blackhawks, Toews notched 372 goals with 511 assists for 883 points, in addition to 119 points through 137 postseason appearances.