The Jonathan Toews sweepstakes are over, as it has been confirmed that the three-time Stanley Cup champion will be joining the Winnipeg Jets [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets] for this upcoming season. First reports came from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun [https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/1936070177377906873], who added that Toews will be joining his hometown team on a one-year contract. The 37-year-old won’t register as a Jets player until July 1 when free agency officially opens, but the agreement is there, and the stage for an NHL comeback is set. In a statement [https://x.com/thefourthperiod/status/1936085812640464947?s=46], Toews said, "I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can." Toews' contract with the Jets [https://puckpedia.com/player/jonathan-toews] will have an average annual value of $2 million with $5 million in performance bonuses. Certainly a decrease from his previous eight-year deal with Chicago, which paid him $10.5-million per season, but it makes sense given his age and time away from the league. Next year will mark three seasons that Toews has been away from the game. He announced that he would be stepping away from the Chicago Blackhawks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks] after his contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. He played 53 games, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in that season. He was forced to step away after suffering from long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome. However, he spent his time off searching for recovery strategies in India and other countries around the world. Will Jonathan Toews sign with the Jets or the Avalanche? Now, with the certainty that he is coming back to the NHL, he’ll be looking to add what is already an incredible career. Toews has accomplished several feats and milestones in his 15-year career. He’s won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and even took home the Conn Smythe Trophy in their 2010 Cup win. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cf150e47-16e1-43be-b329-80c0dc4ceba7.jpeg] In addition to all the team success he’s had as the captain of Chicago, he has some individual hardware, too. Toews was awarded the Selke Trophy for his defensive efforts during the 2012-13 campaign and was also presented with the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2014-15. Toews could have a chance to be a part of the team to break Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought. The Jets have proven to be a top team in the league this past season, and winning the Cup with Winnipeg may end up at the top of Toews’ list of achievements. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
