Jets Sign Jonathan Toews to one-year contract
The Winnipeg Jets have made their first splash of the offseason.
On Friday, the team announced the signing of Winnipeg-born and raised centreman Jonathan Toews.
“I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets,” the newest Jets forward shared on Friday. “It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can.”
The news comes in advance of July 1 - the official opening of the free agent signing period - meaning the contract is still unofficial and off the books, but the team and its social media crew have already been sharing details from the signing.
It will be a one-year term featuring a $2 million base salary and cap hit.
Toews, however, will have the opportunity to increase his rate of pay, based on his rate of play.
That $2 million could quickly become more if he stays healthy, and more importantly leads the Jets on a deep playoff run.
Having missed the past two seasons of hockey as he dealt with issues stemming from long-COVID, Toews has documented his return to action through various strength and conditioning exercises and regimens over the past number of months, ultimately resulting in his decision to be 100 percent NHL-ready for 2025-26.
He will bring 1,067 games on NHL experience to the Jets' lineup - one that will be missing captain Adam Lowry for the first chunk of the season, as he recovers from offseason hip surgery - and is expected to play a bottom-six role as a veteran, Cup-winning forward chock-full of invaluable experience.
Toews will earn an addition $550K at the 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 games-played thresholds this season. He will get another $250K per playoff round participated in, and ultimately an extra $1 million if Winnipeg wins the Stanley Cup at season's end.
The contract will officially be signed on July 1 and will run through June 30, 2026.
Comments