WINNIPEG -- Jonathan Toews heard the thunderous ovation as he emerged from the tunnel.

The Winnipeg Jets center last heard an on-ice reception like that on April 13, 2023, while with the Chicago Blackhawks. That night, the fans at United Center were saying goodbye to their captain, who wasn’t going to be re-signed by the only NHL team he knew.

On Thursday, the fans in Winnipeg were welcoming Toews back to the game he loves.

“Just a lot of energy, a lot of excitement,” Toews said about the reception he received before the Jets’ 5-4 season-opening loss to the Dallas Stars at Canada Life Centre. “Just trying to contain myself a little bit there.”

It would have been understandable if Toews had gotten caught up in the moment. It’s been a long two-plus years of battling health issues, t

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