The Winnipeg Jets went along way today in solidifying their center postion. The Jets locked up superstar Mark Scheifele to an eight-year contract. The price tag on the deal was $49 million. Scheifele is a young center that looks to be a solid building block. Scheifele led the Jets in goals with 29, and he was second only to teammate Blake Wheeler in points with 61. He was in his third full NHL season after being drafted 7th overall in 2011.
The Jets are poised to make some noise in the Western Conference in the next few years. Scheifele is excited to play a key role in the young Jets team. “I’m definitely happy with my progression, but I know there’s a long way to go,” said Scheifele. “I’m going to continue to work on that. I know signing this deal realistically does nothing. It’s all what happens on the ice that matters, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do — continue to work on my game, continue to be the best player that I can be and work to be the best player that I can be. That’s my goal, to be one of the elite players in the League and one of the best players in the League.”
Rink Report:
- Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks for a conditional draft pick. The Leafs basically gave him to the Ducks for nothing. Interesting
- The Colorado Avalanche made a critical move today when they inked there star forward Nathan MacKinnon to a long-term contract. MacKinnon signed a 7-year contract with the Avalanche. The seven-year deal for 44.1 million results in a $6.3 million dollar average annual value. A strong deal for the Avalanche.
- Jimmy Vesey met with the Buffalo Sabres. I just do not know how this will turn out or who he will sign with. Situations such as this really frustrate me. I am not sure how Vesey playing his cards this way will help him in the future. It will put a ton of pressure on him. Situations when college players do this usually do not result in productive careers.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.