NHL Rumors: Jonathan Toews likely to join $1.05B franchise despite serious interest from Maple Leafs

Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is rumored to be joining the Winnipeg Jets despite reported interest from other big clubs like the Toronto Maple Leafs.

According to a report published in Elite Prospects on June 7, the three-time Stanley Cup winner could be on his way home to play for his hometown Jets. Toews was born and raised in Manitoba, and might be looking to finish out his career with the Jets.

Beyond the attraction of playing for his hometown team, currently valued at $1.05 billion according to Statista, is the fact that the Jets are a Stanley Cup contender. The Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy this past season and could be poised to have another strong season in 2025-26.

As for Jonathan Toews, his role on the Jets would not be anywhere near his former top-line center role in Chicago. The Jets could deploy Toews in a middle six role where he could deliver value given his vast experience and championship pedigree.

The report also highlighted how Toews is prepared to sign a “bargain basement” contract, making him a palatable option for the Jets as they look to retool for another playoff run next season.

It's worth nothing that other clubs like the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in landing the Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

With the Maple Leafs looking to change the team's chemistry next season, adding a proven winner like Toews could be a step toward achieving that goal. But there is no indication that Toews has considered joining the Maple Leafs at this time.

Winning Cup in Winnipeg would be storybook ending for Jonathan Toews

Toews could be the missing ingredient for the Winnipeg Jets next season - Source: Imagn

In a May 30 piece published in The Hockey News, Adam Proteau looked at the Winnipeg Jets as a potential landing spot for Jonathan Toews next season.

In his piece, Proteau named the Jets as the likeliest destination as Toews is a native son. But also, Winnipeg would be an attractive destination for Toews as the Jets have plenty of depth and talent to where Toews wouldn’t be burdened with having to carry the team.

Landing in Winnipeg, however, would face pressure in Winnipeg to win. But that wouldn’t be a problem for a known winner like Jonathan Toews, as his attitude and track record are something the team could use to push them over the top next season.

Proteau underscored that, if Toews could win a Stanley Cup in Winnipeg, it would be a storybook ending to his career, as winning it all with his hometown club could be the perfect way to cap off one of the most illustrious careers in NHL history.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan