Mark Scheifele

Lore & Background

Scheifele grew up playing minor hockey in Kitchener, Ontario, for the Kitchener Jr. Rangers rep program. He originally played as a defenceman before moving to forward. After his minor midget season in 2008–09, he was drafted by the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit in the seventh round of the 2009 OHL Priority Selection but failed to make their roster and was assigned to the Kitchener Dutchmen Jr.B. club. His rights were later traded to the Barrie Colts, and he was drafted seventh overall by the Winnipeg Jets.

He made his NHL debut on October 6, 2011, and scored his first NHL goal on October 19, 2011. After playing in seven games, he was reassigned to the OHL. He played his first full NHL campaign during the 2013–14 season.

During the 2015–16 season, Scheifele surpassed the 20-goal mark for the first time and scored his first NHL hat-trick, finishing with a then-career high 61 points in 71 games and leading the team in goals. He followed that season by leading the Jets in scoring and finishing seventh in the league with 82 points in 79 games.

He signed an eight-year, $49 million contract to remain with the Jets, partly because Dustin Byfuglien also remained on the team. He was named an alternate captain for the 2016–17 season alongside Byfuglien and captain Blake Wheeler. During the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs, Scheifele set a new NHL record for most road goals in a postseason, with 11 road goals, surpassing the previous record held by Joe Mullen and Sidney Crosby.

Reader's Guide

Mark Scheifele holds the Winnipeg Jets franchise record for both goals and points, making him the most productive offensive player in the team's history since its relocation from Atlanta. As the Jets' first-ever draft pick after the move, his selection seventh overall in 2011 marked a foundational moment for the franchise. Throughout his tenure, he has helped lead the team offensively and served as a leader in the dressing room, eventually being named an alternate captain.

His breakout 2016–17 season saw him finish seventh in the league with 82 points, and he set an NHL record during the 2018 playoffs for most road goals in a single postseason (11), tying Alexander Ovechkin for the league lead in goals that postseason. Scheifele has also represented Team Canada at international tournaments, winning a gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Championship and being named his hometown's Athlete of the Year. His long-term contract and leadership role have made him a central figure in the Jets' organization.