Mark Scheifele signs massive contract with Winnipeg Jets

WINNIPEG — The first ever draft pick for the Winnipeg Jets will be staying with the team for eight more years.

“I haven’t stopped smiling since I found out.” said Scheifele. “I wouldn’t of wanted to stick around if it wasn’t such a great community like Winnipeg.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I haven't stopped smiling since I found out." said Scheifele. "I wouldn't of wanted to stick around if it wasn't such a great community like Winnipeg."

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The 23 year old centre was a restricted free agent. He was drafted by the team in 2011 just weeks after the team relocated to Winnipeg from Atlanta.

“I wanted an eight year deal.” said Scheifele. “When they said eight years, I was definitely very excited about the prospect of being a Winnipeg Jet for eight years.”

“It’s a monumental moment in our franchise moving forward.” said general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. “Mark is an exceptional individual. He embodies so many of the things that we as an organization want to embody.”

“There’s probably not a truer match for our organization than a player like Mark Scheifele.” Cheveldayoff said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There's probably not a truer match for our organization than a player like Mark Scheifele." Cheveldayoff said.

Scheifele has a total of 145 points in 227 games. He ended last season with a career-high 61 points.

LISTEN: Scheifele Raw Phone Interview

9:42 Winnipeg Jets Mark Scheifele Raw Phone Interview