James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

The Awkward Truth About Jonathan Toews and the Jets

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 5:15 PM ET

Jonathan Toews is in his first season with the Winnipeg Jets. He came out of retirement to sign with his hometown team. It’s something he always talked about wanting to do. And, in theory, it sounds so very simple. A future Hall of Famer comes home, pulls on the sweater he grew up watching.

On one hand, it’s a dream come true. Except nothing about this has felt simple once the season started.

The Jets’ Slide Changes the Conversation

Now the Jets are sliding, and the questions are starting to creep in. Should they move him? Would a contender want him? Toews is only signed for this season. On paper, he’s a rental. But paper doesn’t account for the fact that he’s a hometown guy. His value transcends the usual rental math, especially in a market like Winnipeg.

Money complicates it further. Toews’ contract has playoff and performance bonuses built in, meaning any team that acquires him can’t just pencil him into the lineup without thinking about the cap. That makes the logistics tricky, even for a contender.

Still, this isn’t unheard of. Think Kyle Okposo in Florida a few years back — a veteran who arrived midseason, added depth, and helped push a team farther than anyone expected. Could Toews do that? Absolutely. But the Jets and any suitor need to navigate the numbers carefully.

The Human Aspect of Toews with the Jets Complicates Things

And then there’s the human part of it. Toews went back to Chicago the other night, and the building stood up for him. They meant it. That tells you he’s never just been about numbers. He’s memory, leadership, and the kind of presence that changes how a room feels. Whatever decision gets made here isn’t only about ice time or production. It’s about what he represents to the people around him.

So yes, this gets complicated in a hurry. Loyalty runs into ambition, money clashes with legacy, and it all lands on one player. The Jets aren’t just counting wins here. They’re thinking about relationships, how this looks inside the room, and what the next few months might mean for both Toews and the organization.

And Toews? He’s staring at what could be one last real chance to make it matter, wherever that ends up being.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: