After more than two years away from playing hockey, Chicago Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews joined a new team for the first time in his NHL career this summer. It wasn’t just any team either; it was his hometown Winnipeg Jets, where he is loved, adding even more excitement on top of his already amazing return story.
While it’s still early and Toews is still just getting his feet wet, the initial welcome has worn off and his play has fallen into a rut as of late. After a relatively solid start with seven points (two goals, five assists) in his first twelve games, the production has cooled off significantly since then, with just two points (one goal, one assist) in the last sixteen games.
Toews has now seen himself drop to the fourth spot on the right wing, much to the concern of Jets fans, as said by Locked on Jets host Harrison Lee.
“The signing of Jonathan Toews has been a bit of a catastrophe. He’s now on the fourth line on the wing and gets, what, $5.5 million if he plays 60 games? Good lord,”
The 37-year-old signed a $2 million contract with the Jets this offseason as a UFA. As Lee mentioned, the deal includes substantial performance bonuses, including an additional $550,000 for reaching 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 games played respectively, and another $500,000 if Winnipeg makes the playoffs.
An NHL return was never going to be easy for Jonathan Toews
This was always going to be a difficult task for Toews as he hasn’t played an NHL game since the 2022-23 season, but the Jets will need him to get back on track sooner or later.
Kevin Cheveldayoff brought in the veteran and needed him to play a key role, presumably as a second-line center, allowing Adam Lowry to remain on the third line where he was best suited. Unfortunately, it was a big risk to project a 37-year-old who had been away from the game for so long, and they’re starting to see that unfold right before their eyes.
While it was seen as a smart signing for Winnipeg at the time, it could end up being a costly move, not only on the ice, but also when it comes to their salary cap, assuming Toews continues to pile up the games.
That said, there’s still plenty of season left for Toews to find his footing, and you can never count out a player with his pedigree.
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