Scheifele is Staying. For now.

Winnipeg has already been hearing it, but get ready to hear it even more.

Scheifele! Scheifele! Scheifele!

Winnipeg Jets 18-year-old forward, Mark Scheifele, signed his first NHL contract today – an entry level, three year deal that will have Scheifele making around $925,000 along with annual bonuses.

Before the Jets’ pre-season kicked off the general consensus was that Mark Scheifele was going to play in the juniors (OHL – Barrie Colts) or AHL. Barely anyone predicted that he’d start out in the big leagues.

Coaches, fans, and teammates have been exposed to Scheifele on ice magic, watching him boast very impressive stats in his first NHL pre-season. Scheifele put up 8 points throughout 5 games, netting 4 goals – leaving him tied for 1st in the NHL preseason for goals and 2nd for points.

Winnipeg Jets GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff had this to say, "He's showing great potential. Certainly we're very excited about his training camp and very happy to have him signed to a contract.”

I had the chance to see Scheifele play live at the MTS Centre as well as catch him on TSN. Scheifele is the type of player who can burn you with his speed and finish goalies off with his hands. He really stands out among the rest.

On draft day, most of Winnipeg and the NHL were saying: Scheifele who? Now, Scheifele is a Winnipeg superstar and is being looked at as the future face of the Winnipeg Jets. Some are already putting the weight of the Stanley Cup on his shoulders. But if he remains in the NHL for the full season and continues to stay on the scoreboard he’ll be good in my books.

Only time will tell how he will fair playing against the toughest and most skilled players on the planet. One thing is for sure, Scheifele will get his shot in Winnipeg and Winnipeg will be backing him the whole way. 

So Scheifele made it through The Outhouse with finesse and speed. I also predict that he'll make it through/into the NHL with no problems either.