The focus was on Jonathan Toews as the Winnipeg Jets took to the ice for their season opener against Dallas on Thursday night. Toews, a native of Winnipeg, was greeted with a resounding cheer from the capacity crowd during player introductions.
Expressing his excitement, Toews described the atmosphere as filled with energy and anticipation. This marked his return to NHL action at the age of 37, playing his 1,068th regular-season game and logging 18:19 of ice time. Despite only registering one shot on goal in the Jets’ 5-4 defeat, the three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Chicago Blackhawks captain made his presence felt.
Toews had been absent from the game for the past two seasons due to health issues related to chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long COVID-19. Speaking about his performance, Toews mentioned feeling close to being in top form and acknowledged areas where he could improve.
Playing alongside Gustav Nyquist and Nikita Chibrikov on the second line, Toews highlighted the need for better faceoff plays and creating more scoring opportunities. Jets coach Scott Arniel noted the gradual improvement in Toews’ game throughout the match, emphasizing the collective need for a stronger performance from the team.
Both the Dallas Stars and their coach, Glen Gulutzan, commended Toews for his comeback effort and impactful presence on the ice. Stars forward Mikko Rantanen expressed delight at seeing a player of Toews’ caliber back in action, underscoring the positive impact on the league.
Gulutzan praised Toews for his physicality and skill, acknowledging his enduring talent despite the extended break from competitive play. Toews’ return to the NHL was met with admiration and recognition from both teammates and opponents alike, signaling a positive start to his comeback journey.
