Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note: It was a pretty, pretty, pretty busy Friday which began with the Jets prospects hitting the ice for the final day of Development Camp. We saw first rounder Sascha Boumedienne‘s skating on display,  a little curl and drag from Kierson Walton and then things wrapped up with a handshake line to end camp. Last two media chats we did was with Jacob Cloutier (watch here) and Markus Loponen (watch here). The kids will now disperse all across the globe before returning for the Prospect Showdown in mid September. We will have a recap up later today which features links to all of the 14 prospect interviews.

Note II: No sooner had the Development Camp concluded that a certain someone was driving down Portage Avenue to get to the introductory presser for Jonathan Toews as the Winnipegger and three-time Stanley Cup champion was being formally introduced as a member of the Winnipeg hockey club for the first time. After that we had scrums with Jonathan Toews (watch here), head coach Scott Arniel (watch here) and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff (watch here).

Note III: While the hockey world is slowly getting ready for summer hiatus IC isn’t quite there yet. Given how much there is to talk about we are gonna be busy on today’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show starting at 9 AM CDT. Since we last hit the air the Jets finished rounds 2-7 of the Draft, have held a week of Development Camp with their prospects, saw Nikolaj Ehlers sign a six-year deal with the Hurricanes, introduce Jonathan Toews formally and added a boatload of depth to the organization. We will be joined by Murat Ates of The Athletic Winnipeg and Jets defemceman Haydn Fleury. Join us here.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun: Jonathan Toews says his decision to sign with the Jets ‘just felt right’. Suspect most folks in Manitoba feel the same way. 

Winnipeg Sun: ‘For the best sometimes’: Jonathan Toews switches from Chicago red to Winnipeg blue. It did seem a bit unusual yesterday at the presser to see Toews, who we associate with the red or white of the Hawks to be in the polar blue of the Jets. 

Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)

Winnipeg Free Press: From dream to reality, Chipman welcomes Toews to Jets. (Paywall). Wieber caught up with the Jets co-owner.

Winnipeg Free Press: Toews receives hero’s welcome as newest Jet. (Paywall). For an organization that doesn’t get many PR wins this was one of those.

Winnipeg Free Press: Ehlers bids emotional farewell. (Paywall). Sounds like it wasn’t easy for 27 when he spoke with Scott Arniel and Kevin Cheveldayoff. 

Globe and Mail: In Winnipeg homecoming, Toews embarks on a storybook return. One thing will ultimately make this a true storybook ending. 

Sportsnet: ‘Like you’re getting drafted again’: Toews has new lease on life with hometown Jets. He did seem revitalized while also realizing that time catches all of us. 

Global News: Jets reintroduce local hockey hero Toews to Winnipeggers Friday. It was a pretty big organization win on Friday.

Jets video:

TSN: What are realistic expectations for Toews on the ice and is he the Jets’ missing piece? Jonathan Toews was introduced by the Jets on Friday but at 37 years of age, he hasn’t played since April of 2023. What are the realistic expectations for the revered captain on the ice and does he possess the missing ingredient off the ice that could help the team in the playoffs? TSN NHL analyst Frankie Corrado joins SportsCentre to discuss.