Jonathan Toews Records First NHL Point Since April 2023
Jonathan Toews marked a significant milestone in his NHL comeback on October 16, 2023, by recording his first point in nearly two and a half years. The veteran forward assisted on Nino Niederreiter‘s power-play goal during the Winnipeg Jets‘ game against the New York Islanders, contributing a secondary assist in the team’s third game of the season.
Toews last appeared on the scoresheet on April 14, 2023, during his final game with the Chicago Blackhawks before stepping away from the sport due to health challenges. He faced significant hurdles, including chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID, which kept him off the ice for two full seasons.
Hard Work and Determination Pay Off
Reflecting on Toews’ return, longtime teammate and current Detroit Red Wings winger Patrick Kane praised his dedication. “He’s worked hard to come back and feel good, and I think that’s the most important thing—he’s feeling good,” Kane stated last month. “I’m really happy that he’s back.”
At 37 years old, Toews chose to return to his hometown team after a storied career, during which he captained Chicago to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. In addition to his championship titles, Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the franchise’s first championship run since 1961 and was named one of the top 100 players in NHL history in 2016. His contributions also include two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada.
Looking Ahead: Olympic Aspirations
Toews’ determination is evident as he averages nearly 17 minutes of ice time as the Jets’ second-line center. As he continues to regain his form, he is eyeing a possible return to international competition. With NHL players set to participate in the upcoming Olympics in Milan in February 2024, Toews is hopeful of making the Canadian team once more.
As the Jets prepare for the season, an exciting matchup looms on December 31, when Winnipeg visits Detroit. Kane has already expressed his desire to face off against Toews, emphasizing the bond they share from their days in Chicago. “I’m sure he’s pissed off about something. Someone said something about him, or he’s always got to prove someone wrong. That’s a great thing about Johnny. He’s always out to prove something,” Kane remarked.
Toews is not just making a comeback; he is proving that he still has the skills and determination that made him a household name in hockey. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see how his journey unfolds in the coming months.
