Jets’ Toews: “My Hands Are Still There, the Feet Will Catch Up”
Winnipeg, MB – July 5, 2025
In his first media availability since signing a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, veteran forward Jonathan Toews spoke candidly about his journey back to the NHL and his expectations for the upcoming season. The 37-year-old former Chicago Blackhawks captain, three-time Stanley Cup champion, and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, returns to the league after stepping away for health-related reasons during the 2022-23 season. Now, refreshed and motivated, Toews is ready to contribute to a young, talented Jets team.
“My hands are still there,” Toews said with a smile during his press conference at Canada Life Centre. “The feet will catch up.”
A Resilient Return
Toews’ road back to hockey has been anything but easy. After sitting out the entire 2020-21 season due to chronic immune response syndrome and lingering effects from long COVID, he returned to play for the Blackhawks in 2021-22 and parts of 2022-23. But his body continued to struggle with recovery, stamina, and overall energy levels.
“There were days when just getting through practice felt like a game,” Toews admitted. “That’s not the level I want to play at or what I expect from myself.”
Following his departure from the Blackhawks and the expiration of his contract, many assumed Toews might quietly retire. But in the past year, he focused on holistic recovery, training at altitude in Colorado and working with a personal team of specialists and performance coaches. According to Toews, the time off allowed him to rediscover not only his physical health but also his mental clarity and passion for the game.
“I had to be honest with myself. I wasn’t done yet. I knew there was more hockey in me,” he said.
Why Winnipeg?
The decision to sign with Winnipeg raised eyebrows in NHL circles. Toews had offers from other contenders, reportedly including the Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins, but he chose a team in transition — and close to home.
“I grew up in Winnipeg. This city shaped me,” Toews said. “I wanted the challenge. I wanted to help a team grow, be part of a group that’s building something. The Jets have incredible young talent, and I saw a chance to contribute in more than just points — leadership, culture, accountability.”
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff echoed that sentiment: “We believe Jonathan’s experience and presence will be invaluable. He’s been a captain at the highest level, and his ability to elevate those around him remains elite.”
Toews is expected to slot into a third-line center role, providing stability and defensive responsibility while mentoring the Jets’ promising young core, including Cole Perfetti, Rutger McGroarty, and Gabriel Vilardi. His faceoff acumen and penalty-killing skills are also areas Winnipeg hopes to benefit from.
Embracing the New Game
The NHL is faster and younger than ever, but Toews insists he’s not trying to be something he’s not.
“I’m not going to be the 25-year-old version of myself, skating circles around everyone,” he said, chuckling. “But I’ve always prided myself on thinking the game, seeing plays develop. The hands are still sharp. The vision is there. The feet will catch up as the season goes.”
Indeed, Toews looked comfortable during informal skates with the team this week. While not yet in peak game shape, he showed the poise and stickhandling that made him one of the best two-way centers of his generation.
Jets head coach Rick Bowness was encouraged by what he saw.
“Toews hasn’t lost his touch. He’s smart, composed, and brings a calm energy on the ice. You can already see the younger guys gravitating toward him.”
A Legacy Still in Motion
For Toews, this season represents more than just a comeback — it’s a continuation of a legacy built on excellence, sacrifice, and leadership. Already a lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toews doesn’t need to prove anything to fans or peers. But to himself? That’s a different story.
“I know what I’m capable of when I feel good,” he said. “And right now, I feel good. I’m excited. That fire — it’s back.”
When asked if this would be his final season, Toews declined to speculate.
“Let’s take it one day at a time. I’m just happy to be back in the rink, with the guys, doing what I love. We’ll see where it goes.”
For a Jets team searching for an identity and playoff consistency, the return of one of Winnipeg’s own may be the spark they need. And if Toews’ hands remain steady, as he promises, there’s every reason to believe his feet — and the rest of the team — will catch up just fine.