His nickname might be “Captain Serious” but even Jonathan Toews is feeling a lot of emotions as he gets set to play at the United Center in Chicago for the first time since he was a member of the Blackhawks.

“It’s a weird situation,” said Toews after morning skate on Monday. “At the end of the day, you want to go out there and play well and you want to win the game, so you’ve got to keep some level of focus and not get too distracted of all the things going on around you. But tonight, I’ll definitely be excited, a lot of energy to play the game and just try and go out there and play my best.”

The Jets are set to play the Blackhawks Monday night for the second time this season, the first coming back on Oct. 30 – a 6-3 Jets win in Winnipeg. As expected, the Blackhawks are planning a tribute video early in the first period.

Watch Toews face his former team as the Jets battle the Blackhawks at 7:30 p.m. CT on TSN3.

“I think you guys probably remember my last game here in Chicago, and again, you know, that was totally unexpected and kind of blindsided me,” said Toews regarding the standing ovation he received in his last game as a Blackhawk.

“I’m sure I’ll get the same feeling tonight – not really sure how to receive that, but like I said, it’s felt really good to come back here and see some old friends and feel that reception once again.”

The impact Toews had on the Blackhawks organization, and hockey in the city of Chicago, is immense. He’s the former captain and a three-time Stanley Cup champion who became the face of the franchise.

“Definitely kind of through my teenage years watched a lot of the Hawks play with Johnny and all the stars that they had there through their cup runs and wins,” said Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey following the Jets’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night.

“So, for me, I have plenty of memories of watching, and I can only imagine for him, being the captain there for so long and hoisting the three cups, what he meant to that city and organization. Yeah, it’s going to be special.”

In 1,067 games played for the Blackhawks, Toews had 372 goals and 511 assists, totalling 883 points. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 and Selke Trophy in 2013.

But after Toews’ latest triumph – a return to hockey after over two years away from the game due to health reasons – the 37-year-old continues to create impact, now within the Jets organization.

“He’s been really good for me,” said forward Cole Perfetti following the Jets’ 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 11. “Mindset-wise, I sometimes dwell on things and replay things in my head or let it get to me. And he’s really good at just moving on to the next shift, the next day, the next game, whatever it is. And it’s starting to wear off.”

Toews has admitted to being hard on himself earlier in his career – something he’s worked on. It’s something 24-year-old Perfetti has started to pick up from his veteran teammate.

“If you go out there on the ice and you don’t like your last shift, or you get scored on, or you miss an empty net or whatever the case may be, just kind of erasing it from your mind and moving on to the next shift,” added Perfetti. “It’s crazy how good he is at that and just moving forward. It’s been really good for me.”

There’s no question Toews has had to lean on his own advice this season. There were times he didn’t know if he was ever going to play in the National Hockey League again, let alone play at the level he expects of himself.

It’s taken a few months for him to get his game going but coming out of the holiday break he’s taken things up a notch. In 12 games since the break, Toews has four goals and five assists. Not to mention he’s second in the league in faceoff percentage at 62.4 per cent.

“He’s really playing his game, 900 points, that’s obviously amazing,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel following a 6-2 win against Minnesota on Jan. 15. “He’s feeling it, which is awesome. Let’s just hope he feels it right through to the end of the season. It took him a while to find his legs, to find his place and his game. Now you see it and he’s getting the reward from it.”

Toews hit 900 career points in that win, yet another milestone in an already incredible career. It’s not the milestones that are impressing players around the league though, it’s the resilience and ability to return to the game.

“The fortitude and desire to find his way back – obviously going through some health and personal things – speaks a lot to his character and I think that is a massive part of who he is and why he’s had so much success in the NHL and internationally,” said Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares. “Obviously a lot of respect for him. Had the opportunity to play together a couple of times internationally, so it’s always going to be a battle and he always brings his best.

“He’s incredible in the faceoff circle, extremely competitive, has an unbelievably high desire and will to win and compete. So that’s always a test and those challenges are what make the league great – the opportunity to play against players like him.”

Despite the meaning of Monday’s matchup, the reality is the Jets still sit seven points out of a wild-card spot. The two points are what matter most, even if there will be some extra motivation against the Blackhawks.

“As a teammate, you’re excited for him,” said Morrissey. “And obviously, not just where we’re at in the standings, but for him as well, we want to go in and obviously find a way to get two points.

“He’s a legend there. You win three cups and captain three Stanley Cup teams and play the way he has. I’m sure his number will be in those rafters one day.”