NHL Rumors: Analyst drops devastating hint about $49,000,000 Winnipeg Jets center's extension

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Aug 21, 2023 18:13 GMT

In a recent episode of the DFO Rundown podcast, NHL analyst Frank Seravalli provided insight into the complex situation faced by the Winnipeg Jets.

According to Seravalli, the team finds itself caught "between a rock and a hard place," a predicament arguably even more challenging than that of the Calgary Flames. The Jets are confronted with potential departures of key players, including Mark Scheifele, making their future decisions critical.

Seravalli said:

"We have an understanding Scheifele is probably not re-signing there and we know Hellebuyck isn't."

This revelation sheds light on the uncertainty surrounding two of the Jets' prominent figures. With Mark Scheifele's notable performance in the 2022-23 NHL season, where he amassed 68 points from 42 goals and 26 assists in 81 games, his potential departure could pose significant challenges to the team's dynamics.

Additionally, Connor Hellebuyck's contract situation adds complexity to the Jets' dilemma. The goalie, who signed a six-year, $37,000,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 12, 2018, holds a crucial role in the team's structure.

However, Seravalli rightly pointed out that trading a goaltender, especially of Hellebuyck's caliber, mid-season is often met with reluctance from other teams, as it disrupts their established goaltending situation.

Mark Scheifele, who signed an eight-year, $49,000,000 contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 8, 2016, has been a cornerstone of the team's offense. His contribution of 68 points during the past season underscores his importance to the Jets' lineup. The prospect of losing a player of Scheifele's caliber not only affects the team's on-ice performance but also its overall identity.

In navigating these challenges, the Winnipeg Jets face tough decisions regarding potential trades and roster adjustments.

NHL's Winnipeg Jets' defenseman has successfully recovered

Following a devastating injury that prematurely ended his participation in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Josh Morrissey, the Winnipeg Jets defenseman, has successfully recovered and is enthusiastic about his imminent comeback to the hockey rink.

Morrissey has confirmed that he has completely recuperated, standing at full healt, and is eagerly anticipating his reunion with his teammates when the Winnipeg Jets commence their training camp in the coming month.

Josh Morrissey said:

"I'm 100 percent ready to go. No lingering issues at all."

(Source: Aaron Vickers, NHL.com)

Having reached a milestone in his journey to recovery, Josh Morrissey, currently under an eight-year, $50,000,000 deal with the Winnipeg Jets, has successfully concluded his path back to full health. Morrissey expressed his sentiments:

"It was kind of a 4-6 week timeline."

Morrissey sustained his injury in a crucial juncture of Game 3 in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.