Homecoming: Jonathan Toews joining Jets in NHL return

Three-time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Toews is returning to the NHL and joining his hometown Winnipeg Jets on a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.

The deal cannot become official until the start of free agency on July 1.

The former Chicago Blackhawks captain has been out of the league since February 2023 due to the lingering effects of long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome.

"The kid from St. Vital is coming home," the Jets posted on X, referencing the neighborhood in Winnipeg where the decorated forward grew up.

"I'm grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets," Toews said. "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, 37, led Chicago to three Stanley Cup titles (2009-10, 2012-13, 2014-15) over a six-year span. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the 2009-10 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Manitoba native also competed on Team Canada in gold-medal winning efforts in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics.

"We are excited to add a proven winner like Jonathan Toews to the Winnipeg Jets," team general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. "It will be a unique opportunity for Jonathan to play for his hometown team. His talent, drive, and experience will be a great complement to our club. We will withhold further comment until July 1."

Toews has 372 goals and 511 assists in 1,067 games. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2006 draft was selected as one of the NHL's top 100 players from its first 100 seasons.

He won the Selke Trophy in 2012-13 as the NHL's best defensive forward and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2014-15.