In the spotlight for the Winnipeg Jets’ season opener against Dallas was Jonathan Toews, a native of Winnipeg who received a warm welcome from the sold-out crowd at the start of the game. Toews, 37, played in his 1,068th career regular-season game, logging 18:19 of ice time and registering one shot on goal in the Jets’ 5-4 loss.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Chicago Blackhawks captain returned to the NHL after missing the past two seasons due to health issues related to chronic inflammatory response syndrome and long COVID-19. Toews expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception from the fans, stating that he felt energized by the atmosphere.
Toews played on the second line alongside Gustav Nyquist and Nikita Chibrikov, acknowledging that there is room for improvement in his performance. Despite feeling close to game form, he highlighted the need to enhance his faceoff play and create more scoring opportunities for his line.
Jets coach Scott Arniel noted that it took time for Toews and the team to find their rhythm in the game. Arniel observed positive developments in Toews’ performance during the second period, emphasizing the collective need for improvement after the disappointing outcome.
Players from the Dallas Stars, including Mikko Rantanen and coach Glen Gulutzan, commended Toews for his comeback and contributions to the league. Rantanen expressed happiness at seeing Toews back on the ice, while Gulutzan praised Toews’s skills and resilience, acknowledging his impact on the game.
The return of Jonathan Toews to NHL action was celebrated by both fans and opponents, highlighting his enduring talent and significance in the league.
