The NHL will merge the statistical records of both eras of the Winnipeg Jets, combining the original franchise that played in the city from 1979 to 1996 with the current team that relocated from Atlanta in 2011. The Thrashers years (1999-2011) are included in the combined history. The Arizona Coyotes’ records will stand on their own for the period from 1996 to 2024 and will not be part of Jets history.
Significance of the Record Consolidation
With the consolidation, Dale Hawerchuk becomes the Jets’ all-time leader in goals (379) and points (929), while Thomas Steen holds the franchise assist record (553). Mark Scheifele enters this season with 907 points (372 goals, 535 assists) in 961 games, giving him a chance to move into first place in all three categories.
Scheifele has long measured himself against Hawerchuk and welcomed the decision to unite the records of Jets 1.0 and 2.0. His connection to Hawerchuk runs deep: the Hall of Famer coached Scheifele for three seasons with Barrie in the Ontario Hockey League from 2010 to 2013. Hawerchuk produced 929 points (379 goals, 550 assists) in 713 games over nine seasons with the original Jets from 1981 to 1990, played 16 NHL seasons overall with Winnipeg, Buffalo, St. Louis, and Philadelphia, entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, and died of cancer on Aug. 18, 2020, at age 57.
League officials framed the move as a way to preserve the full story of NHL hockey in Winnipeg and the memories attached to it. Team leadership in Winnipeg echoed that view, calling the change meaningful for the organization, its alumni, and generations of fans who have long regarded the two eras as one continuous Jets legacy.
Winnipeg is entering its 16th season since relocating from Atlanta. The original Jets joined the NHL in 1979 and played 16 seasons in Winnipeg before moving to Phoenix. Since returning to Manitoba, the Jets have reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs eight times and captured the Presidents’ Trophy as the league’s top regular-season team in 2024-25.
Scheifele, drafted seventh overall by Winnipeg in 2011, has spent his entire NHL career with the Jets and is set to begin his 16th season. Winnipeg opens the 2026-27 campaign at home against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 2. Scheifele said he is eager to get started.