Comments / New

Winnipeg Jets Top 25 Under 25: #2 Mark Scheifele

Rank

DOB

Drafted

Pos

Allan

Andy

Philip

Daniel

Ryan

Cara

Ian

Brian

Tim

2

1993/03/15

#7, 2011

C

3

1

2

1

2

2

3

2

2

Previous Rank: 3rd

Mark Scheifele logged some big minutes this year. He graduated into a full time role in the Winnipeg Jets top-six and he played well. At the young age of 21, Mark Scheifele posted 49 points and improved his two-way game by leaps and bounds. Factoring in at 5 on 5 and on both special teams units, Scheif is already a steady all minutes player.

Stats:

The numbers are good; the big question is about where they can go. Where is Mark Scheifele’s ceiling? Fifty points is solid production for a second line centre, but Jets fans are wondering if there is more. Can he become a 60 point player? 70? Can he do it without sacrificing his two-way game? Only time will tell.

AIH Authors' Thoughts:

Andrew:

Poster boy for the Winnipeg Jets. Training with Gary Roberts for the 2nd summer will definitely help his confidence. Put up 15 goals and 34 assists last year. I expect him to hit 25 goals this coming season, especially if given regular linemates in Perreault and Wheeler.

Brian:

“Bambi Legs” has already proven to be a decent second line centre, and with his prime a few more years away, Scheifele should turn out to be a pretty good pick.

Tim:

Mark Scheifele has already proven to be a capable second line center. He put up 49 points last year and did it without sacrificing his steady two-way play. It remains to be seen how far he will grow in these areas, but there are definitely reasons for hope.

The next step for Sheif will be to grow his game, whether that comes offensively or in his ability to carry and elevate linemates. Fans want to see how far he can climb. Can he one day supplant Bryan Little as the team’s number one center?

Ian:

Seems to have steadily improved these past two years and has cemented himself as this team’s second line centre. Had 49 points which is nothing to sneeze at. I’m confident he will soon prove his doubters wrong.

Ryan:

Heh. What can I say here about Mr. Scheifele? A talented player who can dazzle in open space, the “kid”, as he recently referred to himself, sure does fall down a lot still. He can push the play forward, has an incredible wrist/snap shot and can pass the puck with the best of them, but I’m not sure he has the core strength (yet) to fight the big-boy fight up the middle in the West. Being hid in the playoffs from Getzlaf and Kesler emphasized that point to me. If he can improve his balance and strength? Then the sky’s the limit. But sorry, Mark. You’re not a “kid” anymore. Your time is now.

Video:

Summary:

There isn't much more that needs to be said. Mark Scheifele is already a known commodity, but he isn't a finished product. At just 22 years of age, Scheif will continue to be asked to shoulder more of the load for this team. He has room to develop both his offensive and defensive game. The next step of his development will likely be learning how to beat tough minutes – as he was unable to do in the playoffs. Where will he land, will he be an offensively leaning 1C, or will he top out as a well-rounded two-way guy similar to Bryan Little? Or have we already seen his best?

Where do you think Mark Scheifele's ceiling is? Will he take over as the Jets' top center? If so, when?

Looking for an easy way to support Arctic Ice Hockey?
Use our Affiliate Link when shopping hockey merch this holiday season!

Talking Points