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Five Manitoba-born players have suited up for the Winnipeg Jets in the 14-year history of the 2.0 version of the franchise. There is a genuine opportunity for that number to grow to six in season 15.
The last Manitoban to wear a Jets jersey in an NHL regular-season game was Winnipegger Adam Brooks in 2021-22.
Cody Eakin is the only homegrown product to appear in the post-season for Winnipeg — and that was the play-in series versus Calgary in the Edmonton Bubble in 2020.
Quinton Howden, Eric Fehr and Derek Meech are the only others with a Manitoba birth certificate of the group of 160 players who have played for the 2.0 Jets.
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But there is every reason to believe that come July 1, or maybe even sooner, it won’t be a reach that Jonathan Toews could become the next made-in-Manitoba product to join that list.
And without a doubt, there would be the expectation — both from himself and the hockey club — to make the biggest impact.
Toews, through his agent Pat Brisson, has made it clear he’s ready to return to the National Hockey League. I’m not sure there would be a better fit than his hometown Jets.
There is no doubt the three-time Stanley Cup champ wouldn’t be putting himself out there if he didn’t believe he could still be an effective NHL player. Even after a more-than-two-year absence. And even at the age of 37.
Forget about the sentimental aspect of “Captain Serious” finishing a Hall of Fame career in front of his family and friends.
The Jets are a legitimate Cup contender. They are deep up front, so Toews doesn’t need to be “the guy.” But there is still a big enough role available at second-line centre to provide plenty of appeal to a very proud player.
Winnipeg will not be the only team interested. But the Jets just might offer the opportunity that turns out to be the most interesting for Toews.
