‘Winnipegger through and through’: Jonathan Toews introduced as part of the Winnipeg Jets

Jonathan Toews was officially introduced to the media and public Friday as a member of the Winnipeg Jets.

The kid from St. Vital is officially home.

The Winnipeg Jets introduced Jonathan Toews to the public and media Friday, as he got to put on the Jets jersey for the first time as a player.

“It’s surreal to be sitting here right now putting on this jersey,” said Toews Friday afternoon.

The Jets announced last week they would be signing Toews to a one-year deal.

Toews, who is from Winnipeg, hasn’t played in the NHL since 2023 due to health concerns.

He’s had a storied career with the Chicago Blackhawks, captaining the team to three Stanley Cups.

Now that he is part of a new team – a team he grew up watching as a kid – he said he’s excited.

“This is another moment that kind of brings me back to, like, it’s that new feeling like you’re being drafted again.”

Toews said he is not only feeling blessed to be able to play hockey again, but to do it with the Winnipeg Jets means even more.

“I’ll always be a Winnipegger through and through. It’s a dream come true to come back and play in front of my friends and family and be part of this city once again.”

Jets’ General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said this is a special day for the Winnipeg Jets, the city of Winnipeg, and the province of Manitoba.

“One of the most decorated hockey players in Manitoba’s history is coming home and that’s an exciting thing,” said Cheveldayoff.

Once it became official that Toews would be signing in Winnipeg, Cheveldayoff said it was an emotional feeling. Now he is just excited to see what Toews can bring to the team.

Toews was asked what he thinks he will be capable of when he returns to the ice. He said he isn’t focused on goals and assists, but rather the process of getting back into the NHL routine.

“You kind of forget the grind in the NHL season. So you’re 15-20 games in, and it’s just non-stop. And knowing it’s an Olympic year too, the schedule will probably be pretty condensed on either side. There’s a lot of little things like that. But you do the best you can and get out on the ice, in the gym with good players and guys at high calibre and just keep working on your game, day in, day out,” said Toews.

Toews will be wearing his usual 19 this season, which previously belonged to David Gustafsson. He said Gustafsson was happy to give up the number and Toews will soon work out how to pay him back for allowing him to stick with 19.