Winnipeg Jets' Toews Uncertain About Future After Disappointing Season

37-year-old center open to returning, but Jets' playoff miss raises questions about his role

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented forms of hockey players in muted tones, conveying the uncertainty and disappointment surrounding the Winnipeg Jets' season and Jonathan Toews' future with the team.Toews' uncertain future with the Jets raises questions about the team's direction after a disappointing season.Chicago Today

Veteran center Jonathan Toews made a comeback with the Winnipeg Jets this season after missing the past two years due to illness, but neither he nor the team had the season they expected as the Jets missed the playoffs. Toews said he is uncertain about his future, though he would be open to returning to Winnipeg next season in a reduced role.

Why it matters

Toews is a legendary player who has won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks, and his return to the NHL this season was a feel-good story. However, the Jets' failure to make the playoffs raises questions about whether the 37-year-old Toews still has enough in the tank to be an impact player, or if he would be better suited to a lesser role.

The details

Toews amassed 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 82 games with the Jets this season. While he was able to play all 82 games despite his previous health issues, his production was down from his prime years. Toews said he would be open to returning to Winnipeg next season, but in a reduced third-line center role where he could have some of the pressure taken off.

  • Toews missed the past two NHL seasons due to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.
  • The Jets missed the playoffs this season, one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy.

The players

Jonathan Toews

A legendary center who has won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toews made a comeback with the Winnipeg Jets this season after missing the past two years due to illness.

Mark Scheifele

The Jets' star center, who along with Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi, and Josh Morrissey, had to carry the team's offense this season.

Connor Hellebuyck

The Jets' star goaltender, who was not enough to carry the team to the playoffs this season despite their high expectations.

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What they’re saying

“If I were to return in 26-27 that I would open to doing so with Winnipeg.”

— Jonathan Toews

What’s next

The Jets will hope for a better season next year, and Toews' future with the team remains uncertain.

The takeaway

Toews' comeback story was one of the feel-good moments of the NHL season, but the Jets' disappointing campaign raises questions about whether the 37-year-old center still has enough left in the tank to be an impact player, or if he would be better suited to a reduced role.