The Anaheim Ducks will face off against the Winnipeg Jets on March 3, 2024, in a matchup that holds special significance for two former members of the Chicago Blackhawks. This game marks the return of former captain Jonathan Toews and former coach Joel Quenneville, both of whom are stepping back into the spotlight following lengthy absences from the NHL.
Toews, who had been sidelined for the past two seasons due to a debilitating immunological disorder, is eager to contribute to his new team. His absence from the ice was a significant loss for both him and the sport, as he had missed three of the last five seasons. Quenneville’s return comes after a ban imposed by the NHL in 2021 due to his inadequate response to a serious sexual abuse scandal involving the Blackhawks during their championship years.
In recent weeks, Toews has already faced off against his former team, rekindling connections with familiar faces like defenseman Brent Seabrook, who now plays for the Calgary Flames. The anticipation continues to build as Toews prepares to play against Patrick Kane for the first time on New Year’s Eve and will return to Chicago as an opponent shortly thereafter.
Toews expressed his gratitude for being able to play again, sharing that the adjustments he has made only highlight his appreciation for the game. Scott Arniel, the Jets’ current head coach, commented on Toews’ infectious enthusiasm, likening it to that of a child excited to return to play. “He’s right in the middle of everything that’s going on; he’s become part of our leadership group,” Arniel said. “When he speaks, the guys certainly listen.”
As the Ducks prepare for this game, they are riding high on a remarkable scoring streak. The team has produced four seven-goal performances this season, a notable improvement compared to their previous six seasons under Quenneville’s predecessors, during which they struggled to find the back of the net. Currently, the Ducks lead the league in goals per game, a dramatic turnaround from their prior playoff-less campaigns.
The upcoming game will see the Ducks not only contend with Toews but also face Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner, who has solidified his reputation as one of the best goaltenders in the league. The showdown is set to take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, at 19:00 local time.
As fans eagerly anticipate the on-ice action, the Ducks aim to maintain their momentum against a Jets team that features a determined Toews, underscoring the importance of this encounter in both players’ journeys back to the NHL.
