Jonathan Toews Giving the Jets Some Early Returns for the 2025-26 Season

Jonathan Toews’ move from Chicago to his hometown Winnipeg Jets has been one of the bigger stories of the NHL offseason. And, through the first stretch of the 2025-26 season, it’s been interesting to see what he’s brought to the Jets. Fans should not expect a scoring machine overnight; still, this is a veteran who knows how to impact a game in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.

Here are some early lessons from his game logs.

Early Return 1. Toews's Leadership and Presence Have Been Instant

Even when the points don’t pile up, Toews is showing why he’s still a captain-level player. Across eleven games, he’s chipped in a handful of goals and assists—most notably in wins over Pittsburgh, Calgary, and Nashville. This said, his impact goes beyond the goals.

Toews’ ice time has regularly been in the 12–20 minute range—that shows he’s trusted in key situations. In the games the Jets have won, Toews’ presence is felt on the boards, in defensive coverage, and on the PK. It’s classic Toews: the kind of influence that steadies a lineup, lifts younger players, and keeps a team in the game even when the score isn’t kind.

Early Return 2. Toews Point Production Is Quiet but Timely

Toews has registered points in a handful of games, often at crucial moments. For example, his goal and assist in the win over the Calgary Flames came at the right time to swing momentum. He’s not lighting up the scoreboard every night—and that’s fine—but his contributions tend to arrive when the Jets need them most.

Jets’ fans should think of Toews’ contributions as quality over quantity. He’s a veteran finding space, reading the game, and making the play count.

Early Return 3. Toews Seems to Have Adjusted to a New Role in a New System

Moving to a new team—even your hometown—isn’t like flipping a switch. Toews has had a few rough patches, like the losses to Seattle and Utah, where you could tell he was still feeling things out. But in wins over the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, he’s starting to settle in.

He’s moving the puck smart, helping out on defense, and generally looking more comfortable on the ice. If Toews keeps this up, he could be the steadying force the Jets need while also showing the younger guys how it’s done.

Toews Isn’t a Headliner Every Night, But He Adds Value

So far, Toews’ Winnipeg chapter is less about gaudy stats and more about influence, timing, and presence. It’s the kind of performance that might not make the headlines every night. However, over a full season, it’s the kind of steady hand a team needs to compete in tight games. If Winnipeg fans can be patient, they’ll likely see the return of a leader who plays every shift like it matters.