Patrick Kane makes his feelings known on Jonathan Toews’ emotional return to Chicago with the Jets

Former Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews will return to the United Center for the first time since leaving the team at the end of the 2022-23 season when the Winnipeg Jets take on Chicago on Monday.

Toews captained the Blackhawks for over a decade and helped them win three Stanley Cup championships. Former teammate Patrick Kane, who spent 16 seasons playing alongside Toews in Chicago, shared his thoughts on what Toews can expect during this emotional return.

“I think it’s going to be amazing. I mean, you never really know what the reception is going to be like or what it’s going to feel like in the moment. You’re kind of guessing and thinking about what it’s going to be like.”

Kane discussed his own return to Chicago and mentioned he would be tuning in for Monday’s game.

“But I remember I did three or four different rounds and they were always cheering for him, and I’m sure it’ll be the same or maybe even more for him. Obviously, it meant so much to the franchise and the teams that I won with, and just, you know, being captain for so long. So I’m not sure if they’re planning something or not, but hopefully I can tune in and watch it and see how it all goes,” he added.

Jonathan Toews played 16 seasons with the Blackhawks from 2007-08 to 2022-23, serving as the team’s captain for 14 of those seasons. Drafted third overall in 2006, Toews played in 1,067 regular season games, scoring 372 goals and 511 assists and helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

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Jonathan Toews talks about his emotions before returning to Chicago

Jonathan Toews spoke about the emotions he expects to feel when he returns to the United Center on Monday for the first time since April 2023.

Reflecting on his return, he said he expected a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“I think it’ll be a pretty cool moment for me,” he said. “Again, just being able to have a moment to recognize what hockey does for the people of Chicago and what it means to the city… you make a lot of sacrifices in your life and you kind of put a lot of things on the back burner, but the reward is incredible to be able to be a part of championship teams that bring such energy and inspiration to the city.

“I can’t wait to go back, play this [game] and kind of relive those moments,” he added. [H/T NHL.com]

His time in Chicago was initially cut short after the Blackhawks opted not to re-sign him due to ongoing health issues, including chronic inflammatory response syndrome and the effects of long COVID that limited him to just 124 games over the past few seasons.

Currently, Toews has 18 points in 47 games this season with the Winnipeg Jets, including seven goals and 11 assists.