As the March 6th trade deadline approaches, a surprising scenario is gaining traction in Winnipeg: could Jonathan Toews, the hometown hero, be a strategic trade piece for the Jets, only to potentially return in the offseason?

Toews, 37, signed a one-year contract with the Jets for the 2025-26 season, marking his return to the NHL after health issues sidelined him. After a long tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks where he won three Stanley Cups (2010, 2013, 2015), the Winnipeg native expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of family and friends in Manitoba.

However, the Jets' performance this season has fallen short of expectations. As the trade deadline looms, Winnipeg finds itself on the outside of the playoff picture. Facing this reality, General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff may need to make some tough decisions and consider selling assets to recoup value for the future.

This is where the bold plan around Toews emerges. Despite his veteran leadership and local connection, Toews's short-term contract makes him an attractive rental player for contending teams. Teams like the Colorado Avalanche or Tampa Bay Lightning, who previously expressed interest in him, could see Toews as the missing piece for a deep playoff run.

The potential benefits for the Jets are twofold. First, trading Toews could bring in valuable assets, such as draft picks or prospects, that would help rebuild the team. Second, and perhaps more intriguingly, there's a possibility Toews could return to Winnipeg as a free agent after his rental stint.

This type of move isn't unprecedented in the NHL. A player can be traded for assets and then circle back to sign with their original team in the offseason. While there are no guarantees and "backroom promises" are prohibited, the scenario allows Toews to chase a Stanley Cup while simultaneously benefiting the Jets' future.

The decision rests on several factors. Toews would need to be amenable to a trade, understanding it could be a short-term departure to benefit both himself and his hometown team. The Jets would need to find a suitable trade partner willing to offer worthwhile assets. And finally, Toews would need to be willing to consider re-signing with the Jets in the offseason.

While Toews has expressed excitement about playing for Winnipeg and potentially ending his career there, the opportunity to contend for another Stanley Cup might be enticing. For the Jets, trading Toews could be a strategic move to acquire assets and potentially retain a valuable player who wants to be in Winnipeg long-term.

As the trade deadline nears, the hockey world will be watching to see if this bold plan comes to fruition. If executed successfully, it could be a win-win scenario for both Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets.