Speculation about where Jonathan Toews would continue his NHL journey naturally led to one prominent destination, which has now proven to be the chosen one. The question remains whether this turns out to be the ideal fit.
Upon hearing that Toews intended to return to professional hockey following a two-year hiatus, during which he dealt with health issues, the connection to his hometown team was immediately apparent. This past Friday, that connection became official as Toews signed a one-year contract with performance bonuses with the Winnipeg Jets.
Even if this signing was solely driven by sentiment – a veteran star returning home – it would still be understandable and well-received. Toews, a highly accomplished player at 37, has already achieved every major success in hockey. If his primary motivation is simply to play again in his hometown, leaving behind the challenges of long COVID and chronic immune issues, then his pursuit of that goal is commendable.
Similarly, if the Jets` intention was partly to boost attendance and excitement by bringing a local icon onto the roster, that would be a perfectly valid reason.
However, the real appeal of this move lies in its logical and strategic benefits, not just its emotional resonance.
For a significant period, the Jets have sought a reliable second-line center to complement Mark Scheifele. Despite attempts to acquire players like Paul Stastny, Kevin Hayes, and Sean Monahan via trade, none proved to be a long-term answer. While Cole Perfetti, a 2020 draft pick, seems destined for a top-six role, it`s unlikely he`ll fill the center position.
Winnipeg often faces challenges in acquiring key players through free agency or off-season trades, partly due to the city`s reputation as a less desirable destination for some players. This off-season is particularly difficult for all teams seeking top centers, given the strong seller`s market and the scarcity of available talent at that position.
Finding a skilled second-line center for Scheifele was looking incredibly improbable for Winnipeg.
Compounding this issue, Adam Lowry, recognized as one of the league`s top third-line centers, is expected to miss the beginning of next season recovering from hip surgery, making the Jets` need for help at center even more urgent.
This is where Toews comes in.
It`s important not to view Toews as a guaranteed solution or `saviour` for the team`s center issues. There`s no certainty that a player, formerly an elite top-line center, can immediately step into a significant second-line role after a two-year break and at the age of 37.
However, the team`s current situation provides an opportunity for Toews to ease back into the game and find his form. He has immediate depth support from Vlad Namestnikov, who has previously filled in at center for Winnipeg. Further support will arrive later when Lowry returns from injury.
For the Jets, any contribution from Toews early in the season will be beneficial. For Toews himself, this situation offers a chance to regain his playing shape while Lowry is sidelined. If after roughly half the season (around 41 games) it becomes apparent that Toews isn`t suited for a full-time second-line role, Lowry will be back, and the team will still have two capable players who can capably handle third-line center duties.
