Jonathan Toews Makes Winnipeg Jets Preseason Debut in 3-2 Loss to Edmonton Oilers

Jonathan Toews made his long‑awaited preseason debut for the Winnipeg Jets after missing two NHL seasons recovering from long COVID and a chronic immune response, receiving a warm homecoming from fans. He centered a top line with Cole Perfetti and Gustav Nyquist, drew some power‑play time and skated roughly 18:36, but was held off the scoresheet as the Jets fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the preseason meeting. Toews called the outing “some good, some not so good,” saying he felt plays coming together and expects his conditioning, jump and timing to return with more reps. The game featured notable defensive work from Toews (including a strong backcheck) and showed why the Jets hope his leadership and secondary scoring will help a roster built to contend. Winnipeg also used the contest to evaluate depth and prospects — including Colby Barlow, Brad Lambert, Logan Yager and Elias Salomonsson — as coach Scott Arniel balances veteran reinforcements with younger talent before the regular season.