With the official announcement that hometown hero Jonathan Toews will signal with the Winnipeg Jets on July 1, followers throughout Winnipeg — and hockey followers worldwide — are buzzing. “Captain Severe” is making an attempt an NHL return, and whereas feelings are excessive, there’s one key query on everybody’s thoughts:
The place does he match on this lineup?
Let’s flash again to final season. One of many Jets’ obvious points was faceoffs — notably within the second-line centre spot. Vladislav Namestnikov posted a 46.1% win fee within the dot throughout the 2024–25 season. Whereas Namestnikov has by no means been dominant within the circle, that’s not an excuse. In at this time’s NHL, profitable key attracts — particularly in your individual zone or on the ability play — issues greater than ever. And too typically, the Jets fell quick in that space.
Jonathan Toews may very well be the reply.
Now, I’m not suggesting we toss Toews straight into the 2C function on opening evening. That might be unrealistic. He hasn’t performed an NHL sport in over two years, and the league has solely gotten sooner and extra demanding. “Child steps” ought to be the plan.
To start out, I’d slot Toews in because the fourth-line centre, logging round 10–quarter-hour an evening, and monitor his tempo, stamina, and influence on attracts. This isn’t about doubting Toews — we all know what he’s able to — it’s about ensuring he’s eased in the appropriate manner.
If issues go in line with plan, I might see him shifting as much as a third-line centre function, which strains up properly on condition that Adam Lowry is anticipated to overlook time firstly of the season recovering from hip surgical procedure. That might open a spot alongside Nino Niederreiter and doubtlessly Mason Appleton (if he re-signs), giving Toews an amazing alternative to step right into a depth function with skilled linemates.
Ought to the Jets give him an even bigger function?
Now, let’s envision this:
Lowry returns, Toews is maintaining tempo, and immediately, the Jets have a severe possibility to fit him into the 2C function, bumping Namestnikov both to the wing or the fourth line.
Ought to they struggle it?
Completely.
With a participant as expert, skilled, and hockey-smart as Toews, it’s price experimenting. And if it doesn’t work, that’s high quality. However the worst end result could be not attempting it in any respect.
The signing itself is already an unbelievable story — a Winnipeg legend returning dwelling. But when he can adapt to at this time’s sport and really assist this workforce down the center, we’re not simply witnessing a return…
We’re witnessing the comeback of the best athlete Winnipeg has ever produced.
