Winnipeg, MB – Jonathan Toews skated with the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, marking a notable step in his return to professional hockey after announcing his intention to come back from a chronic immune response condition. The three-time stanley Cup champion signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Jets in July, returning to his native Manitoba.
Toews acknowledged the adjustment period as he integrates with his new team. “That’s something that will take a little while to get settled and comfortable in the locker room,” he said.”In a way, you want to show your respect, especially to the veteran guys in the room that set the tone and the example for this team every day.As I’ve been saying, I’ll just slowly find my way, contribute where I can, and find ways of doing that respects the strengths of this group, too.”
The 35-year-old center led the Chicago Blackhawks to Stanley Cup victories in 2010,2013,and 2015,earning the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP in 2010. he also secured Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014. individually, Toews was awarded the Frank selke trophy in 2013 as the NHL’s top defensive forward and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2015. A six-time NHL all-Star, he was named one of the NHL’s 100 greatest players in 2017.
Jets captain Adam Lowry, currently recovering from hip surgery, expressed his enthusiasm for Toews’ arrival. “It’s been great,” Lowry said. “Unfortunately, I’ve kind of been in solitary confinement on the other side of the ice, so I haven’t had the opportunity to get to see him out on the ice. But, talking to him throughout the summer and then getting to meet him for the first time here in the gym-and you know, just getting to know him, it’s been great.”
lowry highlighted Toews’ experience and professionalism. “There’s a reason why he’s as decorated as he is and seeing how he prepared himself in the gym, how he interacts with the guys, he’s fit right in. And I think you know there’s an excitement for him to get back and competing. And you know, the buzz in the city is something else, something you feed off.We’re really excited to have a player of his calibre and stature in our association.”
Toews emphasized his eagerness to rejoin the camaraderie of a team habitat. ”I guess that’s the one thing that’s super exciting to me about getting a chance to play again is that I get to be back in that locker room,” he said. “Aside from that, I just love playing the game. I love improving and getting better and just feeling good, too. I think that even though you’re working hard, there’s always someone doing something finding ways to get better that you can always learn from. so, you’re constantly kind of exposing your own weaknesses and making yourself uncomfortable in that sense and I think just pushing yourself always.”
Toews is also considering a potential return to international competition, with the Winter Olympics on the horizon. “It’s in the back of my mind,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it’s the reason for (returning) but the timing couldn’t hurt.”
Lowry is expected to be sidelined until late October or early november as he continues his recovery.
