Date of birth: 3/15/1993
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 190
Position: C
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st round, 8th overall in 2011 by Winnipeg.
Corey Pronman Hockey Prospectus – @coreypronman
Year in Review: Scheifele was a top player in the OHL regular season and playoffs, and he was also also one of Canada’s top players at the World Juniors.
The Good: Scheifele has high-end hockey sense, and he is a top-of-the-line passer who NHL sources praise for his ability to make plays. His good set of hands ensures that his ability to maintain puck possession is very good, and he creates a lot of scoring chances. He also has an above-average to plus shot. Scheifele is a decent defensive center, and he shows the ability to fill in a variety of roles. He has a good on-ice work ethic, and he will not shy away from laying the body on opponents.
The Bad: Scheifele’s skating has improved, and while he is by no means a blazer, his speed has approached roughly pro average, helping his value. He needs to continue to get stronger, as well as work on the little details of his game. Improving these areas would allow him to log bigger minutes as a pro.
Projection: He could be a top line center.
Internationals Scouting Services – @ISSHockey
Scheifele created a lot of buzz in his first run at the NHL and is now even stronger after a couple more seasons dominating the OHL. Scheifele is a big body with great puck skills and an excellent shot. He will require an adjustment period but should continue to develop into a big powerful centre that most teams in the league need.
Carl Maloney of The Hockey Writers – @maloney3383
Brought up to start the season with the Jets the past two years, and then sent back to junior each year for more seasoning. Scheifele has been nothing short of dominant in his junior career with the Barrie Colts and there is nothing left for him to prove there. The Jets have brought him along slowly, and this year he will enter training camp more ready, both mentally and physically than ever. He was also given some time on the wing last season, so he brings the versatility of being able to play multiple positions for the Jets.
Mark Scheifele’s 1st NHL goal – Oct. 19th 2011
Jets draft Mark Scheifele #7 overall