Jonathan Toews’ return to the NHL marks a significant milestone, after recording his first point in almost two and a half years. The Winnipeg Jets player contributed to Nino Niederreiter’s goal during a game against the New York Islanders, adding a secondary assist. This achievement comes after a period of inactivity due to health issues, marking his return to hockey.
Toews, 37, decided to play with his hometown team, after being absent for two seasons due to health problems related to chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID-19. The player has expressed feeling physically well while regaining his game rhythm.I feel like I had some chances to score as well. Hopefully I find a way to get that first goal as well. I think, ultimately, you just focus on making plays, moving around the net, being more confident when the puck comes to you in those dangerous areas. It’s a numbers game. You just have to keep creating and find ways to find the back of the net.
Jonathan Toews
Toews, who led the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup on three occasions (2010, ’13 and ’15), and was recognized as the MVP of the playoffs in the team’s first championship since 1961, is at a crucial moment in his career. The player has also been key to Canada winning two Olympic gold medals. The next challenge could be to be part of the Canadian Olympic team in the return of NHL players to the Games in Milan in February. Also, Toews is looking to help the Jets win the Cup for the first time, and his teammates value his presence.I’m still finding my way a bit. It takes time for it to become natural. And then you have to find your game. You have to go out and relax a little bit. The first two games I felt like I was getting tired at the end of shifts, because you’re just overskating everything and overworking yourself. You’d rather err on the side of caution than regret, and sometimes less is more.
Jonathan Toews
Currently, Toews is averaging more than 17 minutes of ice time as the second-line center for the Jets. Coach Scott Arniel used him on the penalty kill against the Islanders, but the coaching staff is looking not to overload him.It’s the leadership he has, the things he’s done in this league, and there’s nothing he hasn’t done. It helps a lot. It helps us. He’s very expressive in the locker room, he says the right things.
Tanner Pearson
He’s getting better every day. That’s what he and I talked about, that it wasn’t going to happen overnight. Every day, he’s been improving and I think he’s recognizing how to play the game with his hockey intelligence. He does veteran things. He does elite things, whether it’s using his body or his stick or his positioning and you’re just seeing him become more and more comfortable: feeling comfortable with our team and how we play, but also with his linemates and different people, too.
Scott Arniel
