NHL Rumors: Latest on Mark Scheifele's Future in Winnipeg

The Winnipeg Jets are in store for an interesting offseason as everyone in the organization is disappointed the team did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Turns out there could be more major changes happening as center Mark Scheifele's name has hit the trade rumors market.

Scheifele sparked the rumors with his testy press conference to end the season and admitted he's in the prime of his career and wants more out of himself and the team. The very latest on this developing story came from Jeff Marek of Sportsnet on Saturday night as the podcast host/insider confirmed while things may have gotten heated during the exit interview, Scheifele did not request a trade.

The 29-year-old former seventh overall pick appeared in 67 games in 2021-22, recording 70 points. Scheifele holds some trade protection as he submits a list of 10 teams he would like to avoid at the beginning of the offseason. He's under contract through the 2023-24 season, making $6.12 million annually. Certainly an affordable contract that would spark a ton of trade interest from other teams if he does in fact hit the trade market.

I’m not a betting man but I’d put a few dollars down on Mark Scheifele not being a Winnipeg Jet next season. He very much sounds like he wants a move. pic.twitter.com/oMwvIn3oB1
— Joe Pascucci (@Pascucci015) May 1, 2022

The Jets have some decisions to make this summer as Pierre-Luc Dubois is a pending restricted free agent, meanwhile the team has over $18 million in cap space. If Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff sits on his hands this offseason, there's expectation the players will want change. With roughly $8 million in line for Dubois, the Jets GM will likely have $10 million or so to work with for free agency. More than enough resources to land some help for Scheifele and company. Big, big offseason coming for the Jets.

I wouldn’t be in a rush to send Mark Scheifele packing unless he truly wants out of Wpg., which I’m not convinced of. Yes he has defensive shortcomings, but this is a very gifted, creative offensive player, the likes of whom are hard to find.
— Bob Irving (@BobIrvingCJOB) May 5, 2022