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Home , Andrew Copp, Brandon Tanev, Brendan Lemieux, Craig Heisinger, Jacob Trouba, NHL Tonight

Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/trio-has-super-time-in-minneapolis-on- super-sunday-472850603.html

Trio has super time in Minneapolis on Super Sunday

By: Mike McIntyre

Three members of the Jets had a truly super Sunday.

Mark Scheifele, and Jacob Trouba took advantage of an off-day and made the quick trip to Minneapolis to watch the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.

"Unbelievable," Scheifele said Monday following practice. "Obviously lucky that it was in Minnesota, we had a day off. I surprised my brother and my best friend with their Christmas gifts — they got to come to the Super Bowl. And then Copper and Troubs came, too. It’s definitely something to cross off the bucket list and something that I’ll never forget."

They took an early morning flight, soaked up the atmosphere before and during the game, and then caught a late-night flight home.

Copp, a former high school quarterback in Michigan, said it was a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" and marvelled at getting to watch New England quarterback Tom Brady in action — even if it was in a losing effort.

"It was a crazy game. There wasn’t much more Tom could have done — maybe catch the ball — but he was unbelievable," Copp said. "I turned to (Trouba) a few times and it was just like, ‘Wow, he’s playing one of the best games of his career, probably.’ And then (Philadelphia quarterback Nick) Foles made some great throws, too, so it was definitely an entertaining back- and-forth game."

Copp and Scheifele didn’t hide their rooting interests, sporting Brady jerseys. Trouba wore a Brady jersey from his Michigan days.

"We didn’t sit down the entire game. Our legs were burning after the first quarter. After every play, they get a five-yard run and we’re fist-pumping and high-fiving everyone around us," Scheifele said. "The whole atmosphere, the building in Minnesota was beautiful, the fans were nuts, the whole atmosphere around the Super Bowl was unbelievable."

Copp also weighed in on the most controversial issue of the game, saying he enjoyed Justin Timberlake’s halftime show and the video tribute to Prince.

"I really like Justin Timberlake. I think he’s really good, but they were facing the other way. But it was still cool. I think that’s one you’d rather watch on TV, though," he said. "We were just kind of going for the fan experience, kind of turned into a fan for a day and enjoyed that side of it for sure." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/scheifele-likely-to-play-friday-hendricks-tanev-join- injured-jets-mates-472795203.html

Scheifele likely to play Friday; Hendricks, Tanev join injured Jets mates

By: Mike McIntyre

Mark Scheifele is on the verge of returning to the lineup. And it couldn't come at a better time.

Winnipeg's lineup took another couple hits Monday after it was revealed forwards Matt Hendricks and , both of whom left Saturday's 3-0 win over , would miss some time with upper-body injuries. Hendricks is considered day-to-day but won't play Tuesday against Arizona. Tanev is week-to-week, according to coach .

Centre also remains out after re-aggravating a previous injury last week, and Friday's game against St. Louis would be the earliest for his potential return. Forward Shawn Matthias, Jacob Trouba and goalie Steve Mason are also out longer-term.

As a result, the Jets have only 10 healthy forwards on their roster heading into Tuesday's game with the Coyotes. Defenceman Tucker Poolman is a option to move up to forward, Maurice said Monday. The Jets are also expected to recall at least one, or possibly two, forwards from the Moose later Monday.

Scheifele was a full participant at Monday's practice and shed his no-contact jersey. He is expected to return as early as Friday. The No. 1 , who was hurt in a Dec. 27 game against , spoke for the first time since his shoulder injury.

"I'm feeling good right now. It's nice to get some bumps in and be feeling good from it," he said. "I'm happy with my progress."

He wouldn't reveal any details on the injury.

"I went into the boards and I hurt myself," he said with a laugh. "I don't want to give you the specifics, but it's healing really well. Obviously it sucked, being out for that long. It gets boring, and being in a sling for as long as I was sucked. But feeling better every day, happy I'm battling."

Scheifele said he knew he was injured immediately on what looked like a routine kind of hit.

"I could tell something went wrong. It's weird, you go to the boards, you get hit a million times in a year, and one that you wouldn't expect to hurt you, hurts you," he said. "It's tough, but the team's been playing awesome and that's the biggest part." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/maurice-adds-triage-to-duties- 472849873.html

Maurice adds triage to duties Coaching staff needs to get creative as injuries mount

By: Mike McIntyre

It’s getting awfully crowded these days in the Winnipeg Jets medical room. That’s likely keeping head coach Paul Maurice and his staff up at night trying to figure out how to fill out their roster.

While No. 1 centre Mark Scheifele is likely just days away from returning to the lineup, the news isn’t so good on other fronts.

Rookie defenceman Tucker Poolman could be moved to forward on an emergency basis if needed. He played some forward in college.

Centre Matt Hendricks and winger Brandon Tanev, both of whom left Saturday’s 3-0 win over the after getting hurt, will miss time with upper-body injuries. Hendricks is day-to-day, but won’t play tonight as Winnipeg hosts the Arizona Coyotes at Bell MTS Place. Tanev is week-to-week, according to Maurice.

Centre Adam Lowry also remains out after reaggravating a previous injury last week. Friday’s game against the St. Louis Blues would be the earliest for his potential return. Forward Shawn Matthias, defenceman Jacob Trouba and goalie Steve Mason are also out long term. Only Mason has resumed light skating as he deals with his second concussion of the season.

"It’s tough. The centre’s taking a beating lately," veteran centre Bryan Little said Monday. "Luckily, () has been able to step up and play really good in that position. If we didn’t have him in there, we might be in real trouble.

Winnipeg recalled forwards Nic Petan and Brendan Lemieux from the on Monday to take the spots of Hendricks and Lowry. Both could be in the lineup tonight.

Lemieux, 21, played eight games with the Jets earlier this season, scoring his first NHL . He has 12 goals and 16 assists in 30 games with the Moose this season. Petan, 22, has no points in six games with the Jets this year. He’s been on a tear with the Moose and now has 12 goals and 29 assists in 39 games with the Jets’ AHL affiliate.

Maurice said rookie defenceman Tucker Poolman could also be an a option to move up to forward on an emergency basis if needed. Poolman, who was a healthy scratch as the extra blue-liner last game, skated as a forward in Monday’s practice. He played some forward in college and for a period earlier this season in a game with the Moose.

"We wanted to see it and we liked what we saw there. He’s got some experience at it, not at the NHL level. And there has to be a role for that job. Some coverage on the back end (as well)," Maurice said of the possibility. "I’m not really worried about 11 forwards, with it being two days off on the front end and back end of the games. Poolman could kill penalties, and if we had any nicks on our blue he could cover that off. I think we’re pretty healthy back there right now."

The Jets got another injury scare at practice Monday morning when defenceman went down after taking a deflected puck to the face. He went straight to the dressing room, but returned to the ice after getting several stitches for a cut on an ear.

Maurice said the kill is where Winnipeg might feel the injury impact the most. Trouba, Lowry, Hendricks and Tanev have all been big parts of a resurgent penalty kill that is up to eighth overall in the NHL.

"The real challenge there is you’re going to end up using guys that you’d prefer not to run hard on your penalty kill. I’m thinking of (Bryan) Little and (Blake) Wheeler especially up front. We’ll get Mark (Scheifele) back and that will help for St. Louis (on Friday)," Maurice said. "You survive it by staying out of the penalty box. You can’t have a big run of numbers then (short-handed) when you’re running four and five forwards. You have to stay out of the box."

The injuries to centres Lowry and Hendricks might also mean keeping Wheeler at centre when Scheifele returns, he said.

"I’ll have to think hard about moving Blake out of the middle, but not where I’m putting Mark because coming off a six-week injury, I don’t want him in a new position. The hits are different and how the game is played is different. Mark will go back at centre and we’ll decide, based on the other injuries that we have and how we look (tonight), whether we leave Blake there or not," he said.

"So they wouldn’t necessarily play together if that happened. It would maybe even be that Andrew Copp goes back to the wing and you balance your lines differently, but we’ll make that decision in a few days."

Rookie , currently playing in the wing on Winnipeg’s top line, has also played centre with the Moose this year.

"He’s just been, for me, far more effective on the wing and we have other people that can play centre. Now, in terms of offence, he’s in a top-six role, so I don’t want to pull him out of that to put him on the fourth line at centre. And I don’t want him playing in the top six down the middle," Maurice said.

Little believes his team is well equipped to continue weathering the storm.

"I feel like it’s kind of that time of the year, where stuff starts to take a toll on you. It’s the toughest part of the season right now and the pace has gotten faster and more physical out there, so it’s taken a toll," he said. "It’s going to be a test. It’s testing our depth right now, and so far this year, we’ve been able to step up with guys out of the lineup and guys hurt. Just something we’re going to have to live with."

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/scheifele-sets-sights-on-return-jets-top- centre-wont-be-out-much-longer

Scheifele sets sights on return: Jets top centre won’t be out much longer

By Ken Wiebe

Slow down.

Those were the magic words Mark Scheifele heard with incredible frequency in the weeks following the suspected shoulder injury the Winnipeg Jets top centre suffered on Dec. 27.

“Everyone always says slow down,” said Scheifele. “I’m a guy who likes to do as much as I can. We have a great training staff, I have a great team of therapists behind me that I rely on. Obviously, friends and family helped me through it too. Recovery is going really well, and I’m happy to be on the ice again.”

Barring an unforeseen setback in the coming days, Scheifele is on track to return to the Jets’ lineup on Friday against the St. Louis Blues.

“The exact date isn’t set in stone yet, but hoping it’s sooner rather than later. I’m going to see him (Monday afternoon), hopefully there’s good news,” Scheifele said after speaking to reporters for the first time since the injury. “It’s nice to get some bumps in and be feeling good from it. I’m happy with my progress.

“The timeline is still up in the air. But as of right now I’m feeling good and recovery is going well. Now it’s a little bit in the doctor’s hands. They’re the experts, still got to see him and make sure everything’s healing perfect. Then I’ll have a better idea. I’m not going to hold my breath yet, but I’m definitely raring to get back in the lineup and get playing again.”

The Jets, who continue to hold down top spot in the Central Division with a record of 31-13-9, face the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday.

Scheifele suffered the injury during the second period of a game against the after he was knocked off his feet by defenceman Brandon Davidson and crashed hard into the boards.

Although he wasn’t ready to reveal the exact nature of the injury, Scheifele knew immediately that it was serious.

“I could tell something went wrong,” said Scheifele, noting he returned to the ice for the first time on Jan. 27, the day of the NHL All-Star Game. “It’s weird, you go to the boards, you get hit a million times in a year, and one that you wouldn’t expect to hurt you, hurts you. It was tough, but the team’s been playing awesome and that’s the biggest (thing). I’ve been getting good treatment on it. I’m excited to where I am now and excited to get back to playing.

“I don’t want to give you the specifics, but it’s healing really well. Obviously it sucked, being out for that long. It gets boring. Being in a sling for as long as I was, it sucked. But feeling better every day.”

Although Scheifele won’t be able to make up for lost time, you can be sure he’ll do everything in his power to help the Jets try and secure a playoff spot down the stretch.

“We’ve got some great players and we’ve been playing solid,” said Scheifele, who has 15 goals and 38 points in 38 games this season. “Every guy has stepped up and played awesome. Obviously that shows in our record.”

As Scheifele is closing in on a return, the Jets will be without forwards Adam Lowry (upper body, day-to-day), Matt Hendricks (suspected back injury, day-to-day) and Brandon Tanev (upper body, week-to-week) on Tuesday.

They join a list of walking wounded that already included goalie Steve Mason (concussion), defenceman Jacob Trouba (ankle) and forward Shawn Matthias (upper body).

Lowry was placed on the injured reserve list on Monday afternoon (retroactive to Feb. 1) as the Jets recalled forwards Nic Petan and Brendan Lemieux from the Manitoba Moose of the .

Unless Jets head coach Paul Maurice decides to use Tucker Poolman up front (or dresses him as a seventh defenceman), Petan and Lemieux could find themselves on the fourth line with Marko Dano on Tuesday.

Lemieux has been up on several occasions and appeared in eight NHL games this season, while Petan is getting his first shot with the Jets since he was sent down on Oct. 25.

Petan, who has three goals and 19 points in 86 career games with the Jets, has been on fire of late with the Moose and is up to 12 goals and 41 points in 39 games – which has him tied for ninth in AHL scoring.

The Jets have done a good job of not having their season derailed by injuries.

“It’s tough. The centre (position) has taking a beating lately,” said Jets centre Bryan Little. “I feel like it’s kind of that time of the year, where stuff starts to take a toll on you. It’s the toughest part of the season right now and the pace has gotten faster and more physical out there so it’s taken a toll.

“It’s going to be a test. It’s testing our depth right now. Just something we’re going to have to live with.”

If Scheifele has anything to say about it, the Jets won’t have to live with it for much longer. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-relish-super-bowl-experience

Jets relish Super Bowl experience

By Ken Wiebe

As a former high-level quarterback, Andrew Copp was thoroughly impressed by the performances of both Tom Brady and Nick Foles.

Copp was one of three Winnipeg Jets (Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba were the others) to spend Sunday’s off day at U.S. Bank Stadium for Super Bowl LII between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots.

The scene was something to behold.

“It was really special, a once-in-a-lifetime experience I feel like,” said Copp, who was recruited to play quarterback at the before turning his attention fully to hockey. “It was definitely an entertaining back-and-forth game. There wasn’t much more Tom (Brady) could have done, maybe catch the ball, but he was unbelievable. It was impressive. Some of the throws that (Brady) made in the third quarter were just like, wow, this guy is dialled in. And Foles, the deep one to (Alshon) Jeffrey and the deep one to (Corey) Clement in the back of the end zone, those were two big-time throws.”

Copp laughed when asked if there were any trick plays in the high school playbook, which called for him to end up as a receiver, like Foles and Brady were both asked to do on Sunday.

“I wore knee braces at the time to protect my knees from hockey, and for whatever reason they kind of clicked together and I went down,” said Copp, referring to when the play was run during a practice. “There was pretty good hooting and hollering going on, so I think that was when that play got axed out of the playbook.”

Scheifele, a Patriots fan, was disappointed by the result but savoured the opportunity to attend the big game with his brother and best friend from back home in .

“It was awesome,” said Scheifele. “It’s definitely something to cross off the bucket list and something that I’ll never forget.

“We didn’t sit down the entire game. The building in Minnesota was beautiful, the fans were nuts, the whole atmosphere around the Super Bowl was unbelievable.” http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/five-keys-to-jets-vs-coyotes

Five keys to Jets vs. Coyotes

By Ken Wiebe

Winnipeg Jets vs Arizona Coyotes

7 pm CT, Bell MTS Place, TV: TSN. Radio: TSN 1290

THE BIG MATCHUP

Blake Wheeler vs Oliver Ekman-Larsson Wheeler has four assists during his past four games and went into Monday’s action tied for second in the NHL in helpers, so it will be up to Coyotes Oliver Ekman-Larsson to try and contain the Jets captain, who has done a solid job of filling in at centre.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Join the club By supplying an empty-net goal in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers scored his 20th goal – hitting the mark for the first time in his young career. In his third season, Ehlers has 39 points in 53 contests and has been working hard on the defensive side of the puck while not sacrificing much offence.

Hellebuyck riding high Speaking of career highs, by making 25 saves on Saturday, Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck established bests in two categories, wins (27) and shutouts (five). Hellebuyck is 3-1 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .908 save % in five career games against the Coyotes.

Providing power Jets sniper Patrik Laine has scored 13 of his 24 goals this season with the power play and he’s doing a lot of his damage with the man-advantage. Laine has 19 of his 41 points on the power play, leaving him second on the Jets behind Wheeler (who has produced 25 of his 58 points with the man-advantage).

Staying productive Despite being bumped off the top line in favour of fellow rookie Jack Roslovic, Kyle Connor continues to be productive. He’s scored twice (including the game-tying goal on Thursday) and chipped in three points during the past two games to leave him at 17 goals and 32 points in 46 games this season.

Get Keller going Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller is having a solid rookie campaign with 14 goals and 36 points in 52 games this season, but he’s been held off the scoresheet in five consecutive games and has just two assists during the past eight games. He needs to get back in the groove down the home stretch.

Perlini finding his way Coyotes left-winger Brendan Perlini has made finding the back of the net a habit of late. With four goals during his past six games, Perlini has been promoted to the top line and currently is tied with Keller for the team lead in goals (14), showing the promise that made him the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. http://winnipegsun.com/news/local-news/20-questions-with-craig-heisinger

20 Questions with

By Winnipeg Sun

Craig Heisinger is the Winnipeg Jets Senior Vice-President & Director, Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager, also serving as the General Manager of the Manitoba Moose, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Jets.

Starting out as an equipment manager in junior and later pro hockey, “Zinger” joined the Jets organization after working with the Manitoba Moose in different capacities throughout the team’s initial 15-year existence in both the International Hockey League and American Hockey League. Most notably, he served as Manitoba’s general manager for nine seasons and reached the Calder Cup Playoffs in eight of those years, including a berth in the Calder Cup Final in 2009.

Heisinger has been a leading advocate and spokesperson for the True North Youth Foundation’s Project 11, a preventative cross-curricular program to introduce the concept of mental wellness to youth, teach coping strategies, and remove the stigma and fear of judgement that can accompany mental wellness issues. The project was introduced in 2013, following the 2011 loss of former Manitoba Moose player , with whom Heisinger was very close. The program honours Rypien’s memory and helps to fulfil his wish that children would not suffer with their stresses and mental wellness issues in silence. Today, it’s Rypien’s legacy that more than 11,500 students are more openly discussing their feelings and emotions thanks to the work of Heisinger, and the Project 11 team.

Craig and his wife Vickie, have four sons, Jake, Mack, Tucker, and Zachery.

1. It’s Sunday morning. What are you having for breakfast? Yogurt mixed with Lucky Charms and raisins

2. If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be? Equipment Manager/Trainer

3. Who’s your hero? My parents

4. Last book you couldn’t put down? Any book by Harlan Coben

5. Who was your childhood celebrity crush? Leather Tuscadaro-Happy Days

6. What’s the last song you downloaded? Superstitious Feeling-Harlequin

7. If you could see one concert, what would it be? Kiss

8. What’s the best thing about Winnipeg? My friends

9. What’s your weirdest habit? Working out every day

10. What’s your biggest pet peeve? My ties are always too long

11. What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure? Egg McMuffin

12. What was your most embarrassing moment? I thought the squirrel on the cottage steps was sleeping. Unfortunately for him he was dead, but I argued adamantly that he was just sleeping.

13. Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with? Colin Powell

14. What’s your favourite vacation destination? West Hawk Lake/Lake of the Woods

15. What is your favourite TV show? Madame Secretary/NCIS

16. What’s your favourite movie? Rock of Ages

17. If you could have one super power, what would it be? Height

18. What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do? Visit an old friend in Australia

’19. If we’re buying, you’re having …Alice Springs Chicken at The Outback

20. What are your words to live by? It is what it is !

Players Tribune https://www.theplayerstribune.com/patrik-laine-winnipeg-jets-nhl/

Winnipeg Is Good

By Patrik Laine, Left Wing / Winnipeg Jets - The Players' Tribune

Other than destroying Nik Ehlers in Call of Duty, I think the best thing to happen to me last year was falling in love with Winnipeg.

I mean, I heard some guys talking bad about the city and that Winnipeg was not a good place. What do they know? I love Winnipeg. This is my home. These are my people now. I play for them. It’s a great, great city. Everyone who lives here really cares about one another, that’s what stands out to me. We are one group, all of us. Everybody is your neighbor.

Winnipeg is bad? No. Winnipeg is good.

And my Wi-Fi — it’s sick.

But Wi-Fi is so important … it might be the most important thing. People sometimes ask me about my favorite city to visit on the road. I tell them the same thing every time: Whichever one has the fastest Internet at the hotel. Like, Los Angeles, for example. When we play the Kings, we stay downtown. I don’t know what the hotel is called but it doesn’t matter — the Wi-Fi is very fast, which is great for me and my roommate, Nik.

We’re on CoD all the time on the road. Sometimes we just split-screen and 1-v-1 against each other. It’s O.K., but, I have to say, he’s not as good me, so. Also I think he screen-cheats. You know, like, where you look at the other person’s part of the screen to see where they are on the map? Yeah, that’s how he (almost) keeps up with me. I don’t do that. I would never. Not classy. Haha.

And then sometimes we play online together. I carry him. He’s good at hockey but, like I have to be honest here … I need to teach him some things about gaming. I don’t think he is as dedicated as I am, and that’s fine — not many are. (Just a little Finnish sarcasm.)

Like, my schedule on off days is pretty simple:

• Wake up.

• Eat with Mom. (Yes. I live with my mom. I will explain.)

• Go to practice.

• Practice and work out.

• Go home.

• Turn on my PlayStation, and game.

I probably play too much, but that’s fine. It helps me stay close with my friends back home in Finland and even some guys in the NHL. Like Aleksander Barkov. I used to look up to Barkie back in Finland because he was a couple of years older than me. I watched him play in the World Juniors. What a player. He’s big, and has sweet hands. And then we met during the in 2016, and I found out he plays CoD, so that was good. I have him on PlayStation. Barkie is probably the only player in the NHL who has the same level of dedication as me. In CoD, I mean. He’s on all the time. Like … a lot. I’m not sure how he has time for hockey.

It’s pretty cool to play PlayStation with one of your idols. I wish I could play with Ovi — that would be sick. Ovi, are you reading this? Do you game?

Ovi was probably my first idol. Do you remember the goal where he, like, fell on his back and still scored against Arizona? That’s my first memory of him. I really enjoy his style of play. I used to watch him on YouTube all the time when I was 13. He was all over the ice. He’d lay a big hit in his own end, pick up the puck and be at the other end of the rink before the video had to start buffering. (The Wi-Fi, it’s not as good back then.)

When I was in the backyard with my dad as a little boy, shooting at soda cans, I wasn’t really thinking about Ovi — or anyone. I was just … me. Like, how do I want to shoot? Who do I want to be as a player? How can I score more than the other guy?

My dad was a beer league player, so he wasn’t much help. No. I am joking. He was a very big part of my life and why I became the player I am. You might already know, but I actually played goalie until he told me that I should be a skater. Good decision, I think.

My dad still lives in Finland. But he watches every Jets game. We still enjoy talking about hockey but he doesn’t give me much advice anymore. He comes and visits me and Mom a few times a year.

So, yes. I live with my mom.

But, like, be honest … you would live with your mom if you could, too.

Why would you want to cook your own food?

And she still drives me home from games, just like she did in Finland. She comes to every home game. It’s very nice. In Winnipeg, everyone looks out for you.

Recently, my cousin was visiting. He’s growing out his beard and asked me to grow mine out too. So I was like, O.K. Now the guys in the room are telling me I look like I’m Amish. I didn’t get it at first. Had to Google it. Now, since our team is doing well, I’m going to keep it going for luck. Maybe I will get some new Amish fans … but they don’t have TVs, right? Maybe they can come to games? Come to Winnipeg, guys.

Yeah, things are good in Winnipeg right now. People are happy around the rink and the season is going well so far. Last year was tough. Everyone was saying I should be happy with how I played and stuff. But, like, I don’t care about that. I want to win. That’s is the only reason I play hockey — or even CoD. I want to beat you. We didn’t do that enough last year. Now we’re winning, and I’m loving it and so is the city.

This is my home. These are my people now. I play for them.

When I first came here from Finland, the Jets helped me a lot.

I owe the team a lot for putting me in a good spot for my rookie season. I never felt too much pressure. I was able to be me. I was able to be that kid in the backyard with his dad. And that kid loved to score. So I scored. And I remember every goal. Like, I’m not kidding. I can tell you who got the primary assist, secondary assist, who I scored on, what the situation was … all that stuff. For all 36 goals. But my first one was definitely my best.

Someone told me, “You only score your first one once, so remember it.”

But, like, obviously? Weird saying, I think.

Now, I am home here. Quick story. So, before I got drafted, I would play the NHL video games a lot. I knew a few teams pretty well. But Winnipeg was … really bad. Maybe like an 80 overall. I never wanted to be the Jets, nobody did. So I didn’t know any of their players. When I came to camp with the team in 2016, and I met the guys for the first time, I didn’t know anything about who they were. I had to make mental notes.

Mark, center, likes to pass.

Nik, winger, sneaky.

Buff, defense, hits hard.

And then there was Blake. And the first time I was on the ice with him … he blew me away. He was so good. I thought, O.K., this guy is the superstar of the team. He is the big deal. I assumed he was like the biggest star in the NHL. But when we started going on the road and people weren’t really talking about him. Even in Winnipeg he doesn’t get that much attention. I don’t get it. He’s as good as anyone in the league.

I thought that might change this year. He’s, what, top 10 in NHL scoring? Pretty sick. Actually, I don’t think people pay enough attention to our entire team. So let me give you the quick scouting report on us:

Best skater: Nik.

Best passer: Blake. (He told me I have to say this because he’s the center on my line now.)

Best chirps: Buff.

Best shooter: Me — lol.

I also can’t talk about our team without mentioning Connor in goal. He’s been so good. And I know how much he wants to win, too. He was good last year, but we didn’t help him as much as we could have. This year, I know I score much less on him in practice. So … he must be better then, right? I am not worse … right?

So why are people hating on Winnipeg? I think maybe I know why they don’t like coming here. Maybe guys are too cold? Maybe this is a hard place to play because of our fans? I’ve only been to each NHL building a few times, but I know for sure — our rink is the loudest.

Our fans give us so much confidence.

And I know that they get even louder in the spring. I remember I was on YouTube the year before I was drafted, and I found this video — “The Return of The Winnipeg WhiteOut.”

It was really cool. Like, I got … what are they called … the goose pimples?

I didn’t know anything about the team or city then, but I knew that was awesome.

And that needs to happen again.

Sportsnet.ca http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/mark-scheifele-participates-first-full-contact-practice-jets/

Mark Scheifele participates in first full-contact practice with Jets

By Canadian Press

WINNIPEG — Mark Scheifele has come a long way since the early days of an injury that made it difficult for him to even sleep.

The Winnipeg Jets forward participated in his first full-contact practice Monday since being hit into the boards in a Dec. 27 game against the Edmonton Oilers. Scheifele won’t play Tuesday against Arizona but could get the green light to return Friday versus St. Louis, head coach Paul Maurice said after practice.

The team’s top-line centre wouldn’t give specifics about what’s suspected to be a shoulder injury, but said it "sucked" being in a sling and then getting bored.

"I was pretty immobilized for the start of it," said Scheifele, who’s missed 15 games after registering 38 points in 38 games. "That was tough to sleep like that and go through all that."

Luckily, he didn’t have to do it on his own.

"I had to bring my brother (Kyle) in for a week to keep me sane," he said. "Living with (teammate Andrew Copp), he was a great roommate through it all.

"Obviously the trainers and the team that I got behind me helped me in the recovery and did a really good job."

Getting through his first real practice almost six weeks after the injury was a big step forward.

"It’s nice to get some bumps in and be feeling good from it," he said prior to undergoing another doctor’s evaluation later Monday. "I’m happy with my progress."

Seeing the Jets go 10-2-3 during his absence also helped.

After Scheifele went down, Maurice moved captain Blake Wheeler into his spot from the right wing. Scheifele praised his teammates for stepping up, particularly Wheeler.

"(Wheeler) plays hard, he’s been awesome," he said. "He’s playing solid all over the ice, making plays just like he always is.

"Everything you can expect from him, he’s doing it."

That will have to continue because more injuries are piling up for the Jets (31-13-9), who are on a seven-game points streak.

Forwards Adam Lowry, Brandon Tanev, Matt Hendricks and Shawn Matthais are out with upper-body injuries. Maurice said Hendricks could be the first one back. Defenceman Jacob Trouba (ankle) and goalie Steve Mason (concussion) are also hurt.

The Jets called up forwards Brendan Lemieux and Nic Petan from the AHL’s Manitoba Moose on Monday afternoon and placed Lowry on injured reserve.

If Scheifele does return against the Blues, Maurice said he’ll be at centre. But where Wheeler goes is still up in the air.

"Mark will go back at centre and we’ll decide, based on the other injuries that we have and how we look (Tuesday against the Coyotes), whether we leave Blake there or not," Maurice said. "So they wouldn’t necessarily play together if that happened.

"It would maybe even be that Andrew Copp goes back to the wing and you balance your lines differently, but we’ll make that decision in a few days."

While Scheifele, 24, has focused hard on his rehabilitation — "everyone" told him to slow down — he did take a break Sunday and went to his first NFL game, the Super Bowl in Minneapolis.

The big New England Patriots’ fan took along his brother, his best friend from back home and teammates Copp and Trouba. While the Patriots lost 41-33 to the Philadelphia Eagles, it was still a fun experience.

"It was unbelievable," Scheifele said. "We didn’t sit down the entire game. Our legs were burning after the first quarter.

"After every play, they get a five-yard run and we’re fist-pumping and-high fiving everyone around us. The whole atmosphere, the building in Minnesota was beautiful, the fans were nuts, the whole atmosphere around the Super Bowl was unbelievable."

NHL Network https://www.nhl.com/video/nhl-tonight-kyle-connor/t-277774708/c-57385803 (VIDEO LINK)

NHL Tonight: Kyle Connor

Jets rookie forward Kyle Connor joins the show and discusses moving to the top line, his toughest opponent and more

TSN – Bardown.ca https://www.bardown.com/mark-schiefele-jokes-about-why-the-eagles-run-didn-t-inspire-him- after-super-bowl-trip-1.988772

Mark Schiefele jokes about why the Eagles’ run didn’t inspire him after Super Bowl trip

By TSN.ca Staff

Mark Schiefele is getting closer to get back on the ice, so luckily for him and his team they won’t be going into the playoffs without one of their leaders.

With an off day today, Schiefele, Jacob Trouba and Andrew Copp (Along with Shciefele’s best friend and brother) took a trip to Minneapolis to watch the Super Bowl. It is a game that’s being revered as one of the best games in Super Bowl history, so for someone like Schiefele who has proven himself as a student of the game, you may have expected him to gain some inspiration from the Eagles playoff performance.

That was not the case. When asked if the game gave him any inspiration, he was blunt but playful with his answer.

“No, because the Pats lost. So, I wasn’t too happy about that. Y’know seeing my boy Tom lose, that was… I’m not going to think about that anymore.”

Funny enough, like we alluded to at the beginning of this story, the Jets recent performance has kind of followed the path of the Eagles. Everyone thought the Eagles were done for after Carson Wentz was lost for the season, but obviously that was not the case.

Many fans and analysts worried the same for the Jets when they lost their -one center late in December.

In the 15 games since his injury, the Jets have maintained their pace atop the Central division, going 10-2-3. So perhaps after all, it makes sense that he won’t take any inspiration from the Eagles because he plans to re-join his team – who are far from underdogs at this – and make a run at the Stanley Cup.

“Definitely something you cross off the bucket list and something that I’ll never forget.” http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/blake-wheeler-can-imagine-bringing-stanley-cup-winnipeg/ (VIDEO LINK)

BLAKE WHEELER CAN IMAGINE BRINGING THE STANLEY CUP TO WINNIPEG

Blake Wheeler sits down with David Amber to talk about missing out on a possibly historic Olympics, his friendship with Mark Scheifele and wanting to bring the Stanley Cup to Winnipeg.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/wiebe-scheifele-is-eager-to-return-1.989132

Wiebe: Scheifele is eager to return

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun joins Andrew Paterson and Darrin Bauming on the Afternoon Ride. They discuss the Eagles win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII, the Jets call up of Brendan Lemieux and Nic Petan, how the special teams will look tomorrow night due to the Jets injuries, Mark Scheifele's return to practice in a regular jersey and why Blake Wheeler should go back to wing when Scheifele returns. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/mckenzie-this-is-a-week-we-ll-likely-see-mark-scheifele- back-in-the-lineup-1.988683

McKenzie: This is a week we'll likely see Mark Scheifele back in the lineup

TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie joined the show for weekly Monday visit looking back at last week for the Winnipeg Jets, discussing the possibility of Jets captain Blake Wheeler remaining down the middle when Mark Scheifele returns, the price of a top-six forward and Connor Hellebuyck's next contract. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/lebrun-jets-should-look-to-add-a-player-with-playoff- experience-1.989136

LeBrun: Jets should look to add a player with playoff experience

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun discusses potential trade targets for the Winnipeg Jets, Rick Nash's submission of his no-trade list, Patrick Maroon's future in Edmonton and John Tavares' pending UFA status. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/scheifele-nearing-a-return-as-jets-home-stand-continues/c- 295646118 (INTERVIEWS INCLUDED)

Scheifele nearing a return as Jets home stand continues 24-year-old cleared for contact, could return Friday against St. Louis by Mitchell Clinton @MitchellClinton / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - Every day, Mark Scheifele inches closer to a return.

Following today's 45-minute skate at Bell MTS Place, the 24-year-old was heading to an appointment to check on the progress of his upper-body injury, which has sidelined him since Dec. 27.

"I feel really good. It's in the doctor's hands. They're the experts. I still have to see him and make sure everything is healing perfect," said Scheifele.

"It's nice to get some bumps in and be feeling good from it. I'm happy with my progress. I still have to get another evaluation. The timeline is still up in the air, but as of right now I'm feeling good and recovery is going well."

Both Scheifele and Jets head coach Paul Maurice pumped the brakes on the possibility of Scheifele returning to action as early as tomorrow's game against the Arizona Coyotes.

Instead, Maurice wants to see how the centre comes back to the rink tomorrow.

"He got through the practice today well," said Maurice. "I don't have him in the line-up (tomorrow). If he has two more days like that, he'll play against St. Louis."

Scheifele had 38 points in 38 games when he sustained the injury against the Edmonton Oilers.

For a guy that loves being at the rink, and staying on the ice as long as possible to work on the finer details of his game, being immobilized in a sling was a tough adjustment.

"It sucks every game you're on the sidelines. Since I've been on the ice, that softens the blow a little bit, not being in the games. I had to bring my brother in for a week to help keep me sane," said Scheifele, adding some encouraging messages from Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos helped him in the early going as well.

Stamkos has suffered injuries such as a broken right tibia, blood clots, and a torn meniscus throughout his career.

"Stammer has been through it all. Hearing from him, and knowing he's been through a lot worse than I have, that obviously makes it easy," said Scheifele. "I have a lot of great friends, a lot of great people around me helping me through it, and definitely a lot of well wishes. I can't thank them enough for helping me through it."

What has also softened the blow for Scheifele is the performance of the team while he has been recovering. The Jets have gone 10-2-3 since the assistant captain's injury, and is currently on a stretch of seven games with at least a point.

"We've got some great players. Every guy has stepped up. Every guy has been doing more, and we've been playing solid," said Scheifele, who gave a nod to captain Blake Wheeler for sliding into the middle so seamlessly.

"He's the guy that drives this team each and every night. Whether he's on the wing or whether he's in centre, it starts right from the top," Scheifele said of Wheeler - who has five goals and 16 points in Scheifele's absence.

"I think everyone follows his lead. I know when I'm in the line-up I follow his lead every single night. That's what this team did. They played a solid game, battled right to the end, and I couldn't be happier to see our record right now."

The only question that remains is whether Maurice will reunite Scheifele and Wheeler immediately upon Scheifele's return.

"There's two pieces to that. I'll have to think hard about moving Blake out of the middle, but not where I'm putting Mark," said Maurice.

"Coming out of a six-week injury, I don't want him in a new position. The hits are different, how the game is played is different. So Mark will go back in at centre. We'll decide, based on the other injuries we have, how we think we look tomorrow night, whether we leave Blake there or not.

"It would mean that maybe Andrew Copp goes back to the wing, and you balance your lines differently. But we'll make that decision in a few days."