Jonathan Toews Returns to Chicago: A Homecoming Years in the Making
For the first time in his storied NHL career, Jonathan Toews will skate onto the United Center ice wearing something other than a Blackhawks sweater. And while the jersey may be different-he’s now suiting up for his hometown Winnipeg Jets-the memories, legacy, and connection to Chicago remain as strong as ever.
Toews missed Saturday’s “Banner Years” celebration, where the Blackhawks honored their 2010, 2013, and 2015 Stanley Cup championship teams. The United Center was packed with familiar faces-Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa, and a host of other franchise legends-all welcomed back to the place where they helped build a dynasty. But Toews had business elsewhere, playing for the Jets in a tight matchup against the Maple Leafs that ended in a 4-3 overtime loss, snapping Winnipeg’s four-game win streak.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Monday night, when the Jets face off against the Blackhawks in what’s shaping up to be a deeply emotional return for the man once known as “Captain Serious.” It’ll be Toews’ first game back in Chicago as a visitor, and there’s no doubt the United Center faithful will rise to their feet for a tribute to one of the most iconic players in franchise history.
“It’s a weird situation,” Toews admitted with a grin after the Jets’ morning skate. “You don’t get games like this all the time.
At the end of the day, you want to go out there and play well and win the game, so you’ve got to keep some level of focus and not get too distracted by all the things going on. But tonight, I’ll definitely be excited.
A lot of energy to play the game. I’ll just try and go out there and play my best.”
That balance between emotion and execution is something Toews knows well. He’s been the heartbeat of championship teams, a captain who led by example, and a player who always seemed to rise to the moment. Monday night is another one of those moments-different, yes, but no less meaningful.
It’s a scenario that feels familiar to Blackhawks fans. Nearly two years ago, Patrick Kane made his own return to Chicago, this time in a Red Wings jersey.
And, in classic Kane fashion, he delivered the game-winner in overtime, stealing the show in his first game back at the Madhouse on Madison. When asked about Kane’s dramatic return, Toews couldn’t help but laugh.
“I thought about it, and then I was like, ‘What am I calling him for advice for?’” Toews joked.
“I’m kidding. Like I said, I’ll just go out there and enjoy it tonight.”
And while he wasn’t part of Saturday’s official celebration, Toews did make it into town early enough to reconnect with some of his former teammates. On Sunday night, he shared a meal with Andrew Shaw, Kris Versteeg, and Troy Brouwer, joined by his parents-a quiet, personal reunion before the public one to come.
Reflecting on his 16 seasons with the Blackhawks, Toews spoke with the kind of gratitude that only comes from knowing you were part of something bigger than yourself.
“I’m just super thankful. Really, really grateful,” he said.
“The beauty of our game is it’s so team-oriented. I think I’m always trying to be cognizant of the fact that I was thrown into a really incredible opportunity.
We had so many great players that were finding themselves, finding their careers, finding their games at the same time, and just even the trajectory of where the organization was at the time.”
That trajectory is one of the most dramatic in recent NHL history. Toews recalled the early days, when Keith and Seabrook were literally handing out tickets on the street. Fast forward a few years, and the Blackhawks were the hottest ticket in town, the arena packed night after night, with a team that became the gold standard of the league.
“I went and played the World Championship after my last year in college,” Toews said, “and all the guys there were always like, ‘You know, Chicago’s such a great sports city, and once the team gets going, it’s going to be a great place to play.’ And sure enough, that really came true within a couple of years of being here. So just all the things kind of lining up and being able to take advantage of those opportunities was all pretty special.”
From 2007 to 2023, Toews was more than just a player in Chicago-he was the face of a franchise reborn. Three Stanley Cups, countless clutch performances, and a leadership style that earned him universal respect.
Monday night isn’t just a game-it’s a celebration of all of that. A chance for fans to say thank you.
A chance for Toews to soak in the love from the city that watched him grow into a champion.
And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s this: when the lights are bright and the stakes are high, Jonathan Toews shows up.