Jonathan Toews’ Comeback After Prolonged Health Absence Is the Feel-Good Story of the NHL 2025-26 Season

Toews initially missed the entire 2020-21 season due to an “undisclosed illness.” It was later revealed that he was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome.

During his absence from the game, his health odyssey took him as far as India, where he participated in a five-week Ayurvedic detox cleanse last fall. “Captain Serious” began working with an Ayurvedic practitioner in the summer of 2023.

According to GQ, Toews’ regimen while in India included yoga sessions, mud baths, meditation, excruciating massages, vomiting and induced enemas. The purging of toxins caused him to drop 20 pounds in the first two weeks of treatment.

All of the treatments, preparation and healing have positioned Toews to handle the rigors of an 82-game schedule. Of course, a key component of his comeback will be listening to his body and not pushing himself too hard.

The 37-year-old center signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Jets in June. He last skated in a regular season game while a member of the Blackhawks on Apr. 13, 2023.

Toews participated in on-ice sessions with the Jets on Tuesday. The image of him skating in a Winnipeg jersey might take some getting used to after a 15-year association with the “Original Six” Blackhawks.

His return to game action isn’t far away. The Jets open their preseason schedule at Canada Life Centre when they host the Minnesota Wild on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. CT.

Toews enters his 16th NHL season with 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) through 1,067 regular season games. The arrival of the three-time Stanley Cup champion could help galvanize the reigning Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets to playoff success after several painful postseason exits.

One would imagine that his off-ice odyssey and decade of playoff experiences will add perspective and wisdom to the Jets’ dressing room in their chase for Lord Stanley.

The Jets will open the 2025-26 regular season at home on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. CT against the Dallas Stars, who ended Winnipeg’s championship hopes in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

There’s plenty of storylines revolving around this matchup – but most eyes will be fixed on Toews. His comeback has inspired many and it will undoubtedly be an emotional night for player, fans and the greater hockey world.