Toews cleared for takeoff in Jets’ opener

Jonathan Toews is tired of talking about his comeback and ready to resume his NHL career in his hometown after a two-year absence due to health-related issues.

The pride of St. Vital has put the tweak in his lower body behind him and will be in the Winnipeg Jets lineup in the season opener against the Dallas Stars, head coach Scott Arniel confirmed after the morning skate on Thursday.

“I’m just at that point where I kind of want to stop talking about it,” said Toews. “I just want to go play hockey and be part of this team.”

Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup winner with more than 1,000 NHL games on his resumé, will centre the Jets’ second line with Gustav Nyquist and Nikita Chibrikov.

Arniel is excited to see how fits into the group when the real games begin.

“Do I have a speech for Jonathan? His resumé is a lot better than my resumé,” said Arniel. “We’re done talking. He’s just got to go play.”

Connor Hellebuyck makes the start for the Jets, while the Stars will counter with Jake Oettinger.

In order to make room for Toews on the active roster, the Jets have placed forward David Gustafsson on waivers.

Gustafsson, chosen by the Jets in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, has six goals and 20 points in 149 NHL games.