After a remarkable journey of recovery and reflection, Jonathan Toews is on the brink of an inspiring NHL comeback that has the entire hockey world buzzing. Once the heart and soul of the Chicago Blackhawks, Toews spent the past two years away from the game, battling significant health challenges and even embarking on a healing retreat in India.

Now, as free agency looms and the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the veteran forward is not only healthy but reportedly back in peak form—captured in recent footage that has reignited excitement among fans and teams alike. With interest from multiple franchises, one historic Canadian team has emerged as the frontrunner to sign the 37-year-old, setting the stage for a potential homecoming that could reshape both Toews’s career and the league’s landscape. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on where this legendary leader will lace up his skates next, and what new chapter awaits in his storied hockey journey.

The New York Times

Photo credit: NHL.COM

Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is set to make his return to the NHL after two years away and a healing journey in India, now one historic franchise emerges to sign the 37-year old veteran.

Toews and his agent Pat Brisson teamed together to send out a public message just a few months ago, unveiling that an NHL return is underway.

Footage has surfaced of Toews back on the ice, and he looks back to his peak form.

With free agency opening up on July 1st, many teams are interested in taking a gamble on Toews, who battled ‘Long COVID’ as well as a chronic immune response syndrome that caused his absence, but one team has emerged as his main suitor.

It appears that Toews will ultimately land with his hometown team.

The Winnipeg Jets and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff have made it clear that they’re willing to welcome Toews into their organization with open arms:

“Certainly if he’s progressing to that point in time, it would be a real welcome conversation to see if there’s a fit both ways. I think it would be a great story for his career, too. We would certainly hope to be in that mix.»

For Toews, the Jets would be the ideal fit. With Toronto media being so toxic, alongside Montreal’s, if Toews wants to stay in Canada, Winnipeg is the perfect pressureless city to find his groove in.

According to FanDuelSportsBook, the betting odds also align with what we are reporting today:

Winnipeg Jets +210
Toronto Maple Leafs +300
Colorado Avalanche +470
Vegas Golden Knights +650
Edmonton Oilers +1100
Tampa Bay Lightning +1500
Detroit Red Wings +1900
Anaheim Ducks +2200
New York Rangers +3400
Dallas Stars +4500
Los Angeles Kings +4500
Washington Capitals +4500
Minnesota Wild +4500
Florida Panthers +4500
New York Islanders +5000
Calgary Flames +5000
New Jersey Devils +5000
Chicago Blackhawks +5500
Carolina Hurricanes +5500
Boston Bruins +6000

With the 2025-26 NHL season quickly approaching, alongside free agency opening on July 1st, it’ll be before no time that Toews is back in the NHL.