Jonathan Toews' journey back to the NHL has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by a grueling detoxification program in India and an unwavering dedication to his craft. The 37-year-old center, who won three Stanley Cups with Chicago during his playing days, returned to the Winnipeg Jets this season after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
The road back for Toews was paved with introspection and self-discovery. Two extended trips to India in 2023 and 2024 – one-month stretches of Ayurvedic detoxification programs – helped him recover from chronic respiratory problems and quiet the relentless self-criticism that had dominated his career. The experience was nothing short of transformative, allowing Toews to tap into a sense of clarity and natural energy he hadn't felt in years.
"I remember what it felt like to be 13-year-old again," Toews said, reflecting on his time in India. "That complete clarity and natural energy – it was nice to feel that and have some tangible evidence that I'm moving in the right direction."
Toews' return to the NHL has been a resounding success, with him contributing two goals and five assists in his first 12 games back. His reputation as a leader has eased the transition for the Jets, who installed him as their de facto No. 2 center after centers Adam Lowry and Nikolaj Ehlers were unavailable.
"He's been seamless in the dressing room," Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel said of Toews. "He's part of our leadership group and right in the middle of everything. When he speaks, the guys listen because of all he's encountered in his career."
Mark Scheifele, the franchise's all-time scoring leader, echoed Arniel's sentiments, praising Toews for elevating his own game. "He has such a wealth of knowledge, so much experience," Scheifele said. "He's so good at faceoffs, so good at being in the right area, strong on the puck."
For Toews, the lessons from India have softened an edge that once cut too sharply. "I used to be the type of person who drove myself constantly," he said. "Now it's more of a gentle process – being patient, finding the fun and creative process of working on your game, and just being in the present moment."
In many ways, Toews' return to the NHL is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of taking care of one's physical and mental health. As he continues to navigate this new chapter in his career, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this decorated veteran. One thing is certain, however – Jonathan Toews has rediscovered himself, both on and off the ice, and is poised to make a lasting impact with the Winnipeg Jets.
The road back for Toews was paved with introspection and self-discovery. Two extended trips to India in 2023 and 2024 – one-month stretches of Ayurvedic detoxification programs – helped him recover from chronic respiratory problems and quiet the relentless self-criticism that had dominated his career. The experience was nothing short of transformative, allowing Toews to tap into a sense of clarity and natural energy he hadn't felt in years.
"I remember what it felt like to be 13-year-old again," Toews said, reflecting on his time in India. "That complete clarity and natural energy – it was nice to feel that and have some tangible evidence that I'm moving in the right direction."
Toews' return to the NHL has been a resounding success, with him contributing two goals and five assists in his first 12 games back. His reputation as a leader has eased the transition for the Jets, who installed him as their de facto No. 2 center after centers Adam Lowry and Nikolaj Ehlers were unavailable.
"He's been seamless in the dressing room," Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel said of Toews. "He's part of our leadership group and right in the middle of everything. When he speaks, the guys listen because of all he's encountered in his career."
Mark Scheifele, the franchise's all-time scoring leader, echoed Arniel's sentiments, praising Toews for elevating his own game. "He has such a wealth of knowledge, so much experience," Scheifele said. "He's so good at faceoffs, so good at being in the right area, strong on the puck."
For Toews, the lessons from India have softened an edge that once cut too sharply. "I used to be the type of person who drove myself constantly," he said. "Now it's more of a gentle process – being patient, finding the fun and creative process of working on your game, and just being in the present moment."
In many ways, Toews' return to the NHL is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of taking care of one's physical and mental health. As he continues to navigate this new chapter in his career, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this decorated veteran. One thing is certain, however – Jonathan Toews has rediscovered himself, both on and off the ice, and is poised to make a lasting impact with the Winnipeg Jets.
he went thru this crazy detox program in india and came out feeling like a new man 
his story is just so relatable - we've all been there, trying to find our way again after hitting rock bottom. and can we talk about how amazing it is that he's found this balance between being a pro hockey player and taking care of himself? 
i mean, he's 37 but he's still crushing it on the ice 
what more can we ask for?! 
️ Toews' mental detox in India was genius 
! Who knew a month-long meditation session would turn him into an NHL machine again? 
Now he's helping his team thrive 
! I mean, who tries Ayurvedic detox for two months straight? 
But seriously, it's awesome that he found a way to quiet his self-criticism and get back into shape. That's what we all need a little more of – patience and finding the fun in everything 
. Let's see if his newfound zen sticks around for the rest of the season 
he was already an amazing player but now hes got this whole new level of calmness & clarity about him, you know? hes found a way to balance his hockey career with taking care of himself and thats something we can all learn from 
especially as we get older & our bodies start to feel the wear & tear. i think its amazing that he took time for self-discovery in india and came back feeling like a new person 
now hes leading by example for his teammates on the jets and proving that you dont have to lose your edge when you get older 
I am loving how focused Jonathan Toews seems now! His journey back to hockey was super tough, but it sounds like his detox program really worked for him 
. It's so inspiring that he's found a way to quiet all that self-criticism and just enjoy the game again 
. The Jets are really lucky to have him back!
Toews' journey back to the NHL is quite inspiring. It's awesome how he took a break from hockey and focused on his mental health in India 
. The detox program helped him quiet those pesky self-critics and find some clarity again 
️. His experience and knowledge are definitely making a difference in the locker room 
. I'm curious to see how this newfound balance will affect his game – will we see more of a relaxed, creative Toews on the ice? 
. The NHL can be super tough, I know from my school exams 
. You gotta take care of yourself mentally and physically, just like Toews did with his detox program. Now he seems more chill and focused on the game 
. It's inspiring to see someone push through their struggles and come out stronger on the other side 
. I mean, after what he's been through – chronic respiratory issues, grueling detox programs in India – you'd think he'd still be a little jaded, but nope 
.
. Mark Scheifele's got a point – Toews' experience is infectious! When you've been around the block as many times as he has, you've got this wealth of knowledge that can elevate others' games 
.
. Can he maintain that newfound patience and positivity? I'm rooting for him!