The Winnipeg Jets are signing centre Jonathan Toews of Winnipeg, Manitoba according to Rogers Sportsnet on Friday. He is coming to terms on a one-year contract worth $2 million. Toews has an opportunity to make an additional $2.75 million if he plays 60 regular season games. There is a possibility that teams will emulate the Jets contract with Toews with other free agents.
Toews has not played since the 2022-23 National Hockey League regular season due to health concerns. He had played with the Chicago Blackhawks for 15 seasons from 2027 to 2023.
In 1067 NHL regular season games, Toews has 372 goals and 511 assists for 883 points. He is a +148 with 607 penalty minutes, 229 power-play points, 32 shorthanded points, 69 game-winning goals, 2695 shots on goal, 11986 faceoff wins, 384 blocked shots, 629 hits, 841 takeaways and 460 giveaways.
Recognized as an elite defensive forward, Toews won the Selke Trophy in 2012-13. That year he led the NHL with a +19.
Toews was known for his leadership with the Blackhawks. He was Chicago’s captain for 14 seasons from 2008 to 2023, and won the 2014-15 Mark Messier Leadership Award. Toews did not play the 2020-21 season because of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Also with the Blackhawks, Toews won three Stanley Cups, won the 2010 Conn Smythe Trophy (led the NHL in playoff assists with 22 and playoff power-play goals with five), and represented the Blackhawks in four All-Star Games.