Jonathan Toews’ return to the United Center on Monday night carried much more emotion than a typical Central Division matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks. For the primary time in his profession, Toews skated onto the Chicago ice wearing a visiting sweater, and the moment immediately changed into a celebration of some of the iconic players in franchise history.
In the course of the first television timeout, the Blackhawks played a tribute video honoring Toews’ 15 seasons in Chicago. The response from the group was immediate and overwhelming. Fans rose to their feet and delivered a thunderous standing ovation that stretched on for no less than 4 minutes, refusing to let the moment pass quietly. Because the cheers echoed through the sector, Toews took multiple laps across the ice, acknowledging fans who once watched him lift three Stanley Cups.
Amid the roar, Toews’ response perfectly captured the moment. Overwhelmed by the noise and emotion, he may very well be seen shaking his head and quietly saying, “Alright, alright,” a lighthearted yet hilarious response that drew smiles from fans and teammates alike. The United Center simply wouldn’t stop applauding.
“Alright, alright.” 😅
The United Center wouldn’t stop applauding Jonathan Toews’ return. pic.twitter.com/9Yyukeiuxd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 20, 2026
The ovation carried extra weight given how Toews’ tenure in Chicago ended. After the 2022-23 season, the Blackhawks selected to not bring him back, and lingering health issues forced him away from the sport for 2 years. That absence meant there was never a real farewell for a player who defined an era of Blackhawks hockey.
Monday night filled that void, and the Chicago Blackhawks ensured to cherish every little bit of it as additionally they posted your complete sequence on X, formerly Twitter with a heartfelt caption, “among the best to wear a Blackhawks sweater… welcome back Jonathan Toews.”
among the best to wear a Blackhawks sweater… welcome back Jonathan Toews‼️ pic.twitter.com/L2VvLyEOuY
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 20, 2026
Toews’ resume in Chicago speaks for itself. Drafted third overall in 2006, he became the youngest captain in franchise history at age 20 and went on to win Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He posted 883 points in 1,067 regular-season games and elevated his play within the postseason, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. At his peak, Toews was widely viewed because the league’s most complete two-way center.
Now 37, Toews is writing a brand new chapter with the Jets, his hometown team, while carrying the respect and admiration of a whole city. Because the season continues, moments like Monday’s ovation function a reminder that legacy lasts far longer than any single jersey — and that Chicago will at all times be a part of Jonathan Toews’ story.