CHICAGO — Jonathan Toews breathed out and then chuckled, shaking his head in astonishment as the applause persisted for over four minutes. «Okay, okay,» he remarked before taking another skate in front of the enthusiastic crowd.
Toews made his return to Chicago on Monday evening with the Winnipeg Jets, his hometown team, but it was evident that his inaugural NHL city still regards him as one of their own.
Toews acknowledged the crowd, placing his hand on his heart as he was met with waves of cheers and chants of «Jonny! Jonny!» during a break in the first period. This was his first appearance at the United Center since joining the Jets on July 1.
The 37-year-old forward dedicated his first 15 seasons to the Blackhawks, claiming three Stanley Cup championships.
«I made an effort to absorb it all and truly relish the moment. To genuinely appreciate the affection from the fans,» Toews expressed. «Clearly, I experienced some remarkable years here in Chicago, which is what made playing for the Blackhawks so exceptional. Apart from winning titles and other accolades, just being part of a sports team in this city and calling it home for such a long duration was phenomenal. I can’t express enough gratitude. It will always feel like home and holds a unique spot in my heart.»
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A palpable excitement filled the arena when Toews and the Jets began their pregame warmups. The applause swelled when he was introduced in the starting lineup and again when his image appeared on the videoboard during Canada’s national anthem.
The Blackhawks presented a highlight reel of Toews during a pause in play with 12:23 left in the first period. Adorned with No. 19 Toews jerseys and brandishing signs reading «WELCOME BACK 19,» the crowd of 19,894 rose and cheered throughout the tribute.
As the video concluded, Toews jumped onto the ice to acknowledge the standing ovation, which continued while the rest of the Jets and Blackhawks watched on.
«It felt like an eternity. I wasn’t quite sure how to react in that kind of situation after a while,» Toews reflected following Winnipeg’s 2-0 defeat. «The guys kept urging me to take another lap. Quite special.»
Selected by Chicago as the No. 3 pick in the 2006 draft, he marked one of the initial significant moments in the team’s ascent within the NHL. At just 20 years old, he became the 34th captain in team history in July 2008.
Toews contributed to a core ensemble that propelled Chicago into its most successful era, winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. The Blackhawks also reached the Western Conference finals in 2014, succumbing to the Los Angeles Kings in an intense seven-game series.
«I definitely came in with a lot of determination and energy as a young player here in Chicago, but it was just the ideal combination,» Toews noted. «We had an abundance of outstanding players who were discovering themselves and their careers simultaneously.»
The Blackhawks honored those Stanley Cup squads on Saturday night during celebrations of the franchise’s centennial season. Toews reunited with several former teammates on Sunday, and Kris Versteeg and Andrew Shaw sounded the horn prior to the opening faceoff on Monday evening.
Once known as «Captain Serious» — a label that faded as he revealed more of his character over the years — Toews missed the 2020-21 season and part of the 2022-23 season due to what he described as long COVID-19 symptoms and chronic immune response syndrome.
The Blackhawks declared that their 2023 season finale would be Toews’ final game with the franchise, and he was greeted with cheers throughout a 5-4 loss to Philadelphia.
«He’s the one teammate I’ve ever had where you go out in public with him, and people don’t just say they’re a ‘big fan.’ They almost express emotional gratitude to him,» remarked Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy. «They’ll literally say, ‘Thank you for enhancing my life.’ That’s what people convey to him.»
After taking a couple of years off, Toews is adjusting to life with Winnipeg as he returns to the NHL. He netted goals in four consecutive games before being kept off the scoresheet during Saturday’s 4-3 overtime loss against Toronto.
«I believe as time has passed, I’ve been able to grow more comfortable and just find my game, settle in, and identify my role on this team,» he stated.
