The exit of Mark Scheifele from the Winnipeg Jets’ end-of-season record did not seem to worry the management of the Manitoba organization too much, which intends to see its striker again at the start of the next campaign.
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The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with the Jets, who made him the first pick in their history in 2011, selecting him on the seventh round. He recently expressed doubts about his future, mentioning that he had to “think about his future and what was going to be best for him”, in addition to thinking about “what he really wants”.
“My end-of-season interview with Mark went well,” Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff told the National League site on Tuesday at the Combine. I repeat, it was an emotional moment for many people. We asked the players to put their emotions on the table and I think they did it well.
On a personal level, Scheifele had another strong season, scoring 70 points in 67 games. He thus maintained an average greater than or equal to one point per game for the sixth consecutive year.
However, collectively, the Jets have struggled as they missed out on the playoffs for the first time in five years. They finished the year with 89 points, eight less than the Nashville Predators, holders of the second place of the teams drafted, and at the same time, the last ticket giving access to the playoffs.
“Obviously I love it [Winnipeg]. It’s the only place I’ve known, Scheifele said when emptying his locker at the beginning of May. There are several big questions to ask this offseason about where the team will go. I would like to stay in Winnipeg, but I have to see where it all goes and I imagine we will see this summer.
Scheifele has two more seasons to go on an eight-year, $49 million contract signed in 2016.
No press for a new coach
Arguably one of the big questions Scheifele was referring to was the identity of the new head coach.
After the departure of Paul Maurice in December, the Jets named Dave Lowry on an interim basis. He is seen as a potential candidate for the permanent position, but the names of several other candidates have surfaced in Winnipeg, including that of Barry Trotz, recently fired by the New York Islanders.
However, Cheveldayoff is in no hurry and has not imposed any deadline on this file. “I keep an open mind,” he said simply. I want to make sure we are comfortable with the decision that will be made.”
