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Jonathan Toews' play in Jets season opener was shaky: Did Winnipeg make a mistake?

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Julien Trekker
October 10, 2025 (3:56 PM)

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Jonathan Toews' first game as a Winnipeg Jet was a bit shaky, but there are still some positives to take out of his return, and real answers will come later this season.

The former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews returned to the NHL by signing a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets in the offseason and finally took part in his first game last night.

The Winnipeg Jets hosted the Dallas Stars and lost 5-4 despite Kyle Connor's hat trick.

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Jonathan Toews had a limited impact but still performed well for a first game in nearly three years.

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Jonathan Toews' Limited Impact In Jets Debut Isn't Worrying

In 18:19 of ice time, Toews had a shot on goal and a takeaway. The Jets were also outshot 8-2 at 5-on-5 with him on the ice, but as highlighted by Scott Wheeler, the real test will come in the next couple of months:

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After the game, Toews opened up on his experience, talking about how excited he was and how he wanted to enjoy the game:

"I think it is just really exciting before the game. But then once you get your legs out under you, you just go out there and play. But as the game went on you just try not to think about it too much and just enjoy it. You enjoy it when you play your best, and I just tried to find a way to do that."

When talking about his performance, he talked about what he had to improve, including the faceoffs, and what he wants to build on for the next games:

"Just, you know, close, but a lot of room for improvement. A lot of little things I can do better. Definitely trying to start the play with the puck off the faceoffs; didn't really get that going for my line out there.

But other than that, there were some situations where the three of us created and had some chances, even on the power play as well.

I was pretty close to making things happen, getting us on the board, so I think there are some positives I'm excited about. [I'll] just keep trying to build on it."

The important thing here is that Toews will keep getting better, and evaluating him after only one game is a bit premature.

Toews and the Jets will be back on the ice tomorrow afternoon, facing the Los Angeles Kings in Winnipeg.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Unfortunate injury news plagues Blackhawks forward during week one of the NHL season

Connor Bedard sends an uncensored warning to opponents facing the Chicago Blackhawks this season

Chicago Blackhawks assign young defenseman to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs

POLL
OCTOBRE 10 \| 119 ANSWERS Jonathan Toews' play in Jets season opener was shaky: Did Winnipeg make a mistake? Do you think Jonathan Toews will score 40 points this season?
Yes	65	54.6 %
No	54	45.4 %
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Jonathan Toews' play in Jets season opener was shaky: Did Winnipeg make a mistake?

Jonathan Toews' first game as a Winnipeg Jet was a bit shaky, but there are still some positives to take out of his return, and real answers will come later this season.

Jonathan Toews' Limited Impact In Jets Debut Isn't Worrying

Do you think Jonathan Toews will score 40 points this season?