Two-time Canadian Olympic gold medalist Jonathan Toews has thrown his considerable support behind a familiar face for the next Winter Games. The Winnipeg Jets forward believes his teammate, Mark Scheifele, deserves to don the iconic Maple Leaf jersey at the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
A Veteran's Stamp of Approval
Toews, who helped Canada capture gold at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympics, knows exactly what it takes to succeed on the international stage. His public endorsement of Scheifele carries significant weight within the hockey community. The comment highlights the high regard in which the veteran center holds his Jets linemate, both for his on-ice performance and his character.
The statement was made on December 15, 2025, adding to the growing conversation about who will compose the star-studded Canadian roster for the upcoming Games. Toews' perspective is particularly valuable as someone who has recently shared the ice with Scheifele and understands the current dynamics of elite-level play.
Scheifele's Case for the Roster
Mark Scheifele has long been one of the Winnipeg Jets' most consistent and dangerous offensive threats. His case for Olympic selection is bolstered by a strong start to the 2025-26 NHL season. Just days before Toews' endorsement, on December 9, 2025, Scheifele demonstrated his scoring prowess with a two-goal performance against the Dallas Stars, a game captured in a celebratory photo by The Canadian Press.
His blend of size, skill, hockey IQ, and proven point production makes him a logical candidate for a center or wing position on Team Canada. The Olympic tournament, returning to the NHL schedule after several cycles, will demand players who can excel in high-pressure situations against the world's best—a challenge Scheifele has shown he can meet.
The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026
Toews' endorsement is an early but influential data point as Hockey Canada's management group begins its evaluation process. While Toews, now in the latter stages of his career, may not be a frontrunner for his own third Olympic appearance, his role as a leader and mentor in Winnipeg gives his opinion on other players' readiness a unique credibility.
The public support from a decorated Olympian like Toews can positively influence the perception of a player's intangible qualities, such as leadership and team-first attitude, which are crucial in a short tournament format. As the season progresses towards the 2026 Winter Olympics, all eyes will be on Scheifele and other contenders to see if they can maintain the elite level of play required to earn a coveted spot on the flight to Italy.
