Jonathan Toews drops a quote that will break the hearts of Blackhawks fans

For the first time in his career, Jonathan Toews will face the Chicago Blackhawks as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. Toews, who returned to the NHL following a two-year layoff, opened up on the toughest moment that led up to his eventual hiatus from pro hockey in an interview with Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet.

During the conversation, Toews said, "I think after my last game in Chicago that season, I was going to take some time away from hockey and just missing on that breakaway, almost a fluke that it didn't go right. Not scoring that goal, whether it was a sign or not, I just, I kind of held on to the meaning that I had some unfinished and that in some way, shape or form, was going to come back and play at some point."

This worked in multiple ways. Failing to find twine was the defining moment for Toews, especially since it was almost routine for him to score on breakaways. At the same time, missing out on that would-be goal told Toews that his pro hockey career wasn't going to end with a thud, and he made sure it wouldn't be the case.

Jonathan Toews knew he would return but the Blackhawks weren't an option

With the Blackhawks going through a full rebuild and Toews taking two years away to focus on his health after battling long COVID and chronic inflammatory response syndrome, there was no way he would return to Chicago and seek personal redemption for missing what was once upon a time an easy goal.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets were building a powerhouse during Toews' time away. Coupled with the fact they were his hometown team, the Jets were a perfect fit for Toews. Now in his age-37 season, Toews knew he would be in career twilight mode when he eventually returned, and the Jets are giving him a chance to win one more Stanley Cup before he hangs up the skates for good.

Given the circumstances, there was no way the Blackhawks would re-sign Toews. It also took away any kind of pressure that the former captain may have felt in suiting up for the Hawks for a second stint.

Toews is showing that he can still handle the physical and mental demands of the NHL

Toews will never be the player her was during his prime years with the Blackhawks, when he routinely put up solid numbers and was one of the best two-way forwards in hockey. Still, he's recorded a solid five points so far with the Jets and two goals in 10 games across a respectable 15:54 of average total ice time.

He also has eight blocked shots on the year, indicating he can still play serviceable defense. Toews has also been outstanding at the face-off circle, recording a 64.1 face-off win percentage and 91 face-off wins.

The Jets picked up a great supplementary player who still shows flashes of the player he was with the Blackhawks. Even if he's wearing another uniform, there's a good chance a lot of Chicago fans will be rooting for Toews should the Jets make it into the 2026 NHL Playoffs as long as they're not squaring off against the Hawks.