The National Hockey League announced a consolidation of the Winnipeg Jets’ history on Thursday. Going forward, the team’s statistical history will encompass both iterations of the franchise. The team’s existence as the Atlanta Thrashers (1999 to 2011) also falls under this umbrella.
The Arizona Coyotes, active from 1996 to 2024, is not considered part of the club’s new consolidated history. The original Jets were active from 1972 to 1996 when they relocated to Phoenix. In 2012, the Thrashers were moved to Winnipeg where they became the current Jets.
“Statistics and records are more than numbers – they capture the milestones, achievements and memories that define the history of our game and the communities that support it,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement. “We respect the Jets’ commitment to honouring their franchise’s journey and are pleased that the full history of NHL hockey in Winnipeg now can be celebrated as one continuous story.”
What this means for the Jets is that Mark Scheifele is no longer considered the team’s all-time leader in goals and points. The honour once again belongs to Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk with 379 and 929, respectively. Scheifele, heading into his 16th season, sits at 372 and 907, respectively.
The all-time leader in assists is Thomas Steen with 553. Scheifele is second with 535. There is a high likelihood that the 33-year-old Scheifele finishes his season with top spot in all three categories.
Winnipeg concludes its preseason slate on Friday with a visit to the Colorado Avalanche. The Jets open up their regular season on Oct. 2 at home to the Boston Bruins.
