Jonathan Toews Returns to the United Center-But This Time, as the Opponent
For the first time in his storied career, Jonathan Toews will skate onto the United Center ice wearing something other than a Blackhawks sweater. On Monday night, he returns to the arena that saw him raise three Stanley Cups-but this time, he’s suiting up for the Winnipeg Jets.
It’s a moment that’s been years in the making, and one that hits especially hard for a fanbase still basking in the glow of the franchise’s centennial season celebrations. Saturday night’s tribute to “The Banner Years” brought more than 25 Blackhawks alumni back to Chicago to honor the team’s golden era. But one name was notably absent from that on-ice celebration: Toews.
There’s a good reason for that. He’s still playing.
After a two-year hiatus from the NHL, Toews signed with his hometown Jets last summer. And now, his return to Chicago comes not as a guest of honor, but as an active player looking to help Winnipeg keep their momentum rolling.
“I'm excited to go back; it's going to be strange,” Toews said in a video shared by the Jets ahead of the matchup. “We won championships, exceeded expectations. Nobody knew how crazy it was going to be.”
That “crazy” run he’s referencing? It’s the stuff of modern NHL legend.
Toews was the heart and soul of a Blackhawks core that brought the Stanley Cup to Chicago three times in six seasons. He became the youngest captain in NHL history to hoist the Cup in 2010, and his leadership, two-way dominance, and clutch performances helped define an era of Blackhawks hockey that will be remembered forever.
Monday night won’t just be a game-it’ll be a moment. Expect the United Center crowd to erupt when Toews steps onto the ice. If Patrick Kane’s return as a Detroit Red Wing was any indication, the ovation could be long, loud, and emotional.
“You never really know what the reception is going to be like and how it's going to feel in the moment,” Kane said when asked about Toews’ return. “I remember I did three or four laps, and they were still cheering.
I'm sure it's going to be the same for him. Maybe more.”
It’s fitting that Toews’ return comes amid a wave of nostalgia. The centennial season has brought Chicago fans back to the glory days, and seeing No. 19 back on the ice-even in different colors-will only deepen that emotional connection.
As for the game itself? Well, there’s no script here.
Could Toews cap the night with a dramatic overtime winner, just like Kane did in his return? Sure.
But for Toews, it’s not about rewriting history-it’s about continuing his story. And if that story includes helping his Jets extend their hot streak with a win over his old team, you can bet he’ll be all in.
For the current generation of Blackhawks players, Monday night offers a front-row seat to what legacy looks like. Toews is living proof of what it means to win big in Chicago-and how deep that bond between player and city can run.
No matter what the scoreboard says at the final horn, the night belongs to No. 19.