Scheifele excited for fresh start with Jets after rocky season

Mark Scheifele says he's embracing a fresh start for himself and the Winnipeg Jets heading into the 2022-23 campaign.

The Jets finished sixth in the Central Division this past season and struggled to get on track after longtime coach Paul Maurice stepped down in December. Scheifele raised eyebrows when he questioned his future with the franchise in May.

"A lot of the guys were honest in their year-end meetings," Schiefele said Tuesday, according to the Winnipeg Sun's Scott Billeck. "Last year wasn't the season that we wanted to have. A lot of guys were frustrated, a lot of guys were angry. I think that showed towards the end of the year. The team's made a lot of changes and I'm really excited and interested in the changes that will happen."

Scheifele added: "Last year wasn't the best for our team, but we have a fantastic roster, a lot of great pieces, and a lot of guys who are going to be fighting for (a) spot. I think we're going to have to just stop talking about it and show it on the ice."

The Jets had a quiet offseason in terms of transactions but brought in veteran coach Rick Bowness to take over behind the bench.

"I've heard nothing but amazing things. … (Bowness) seems like an absolutely amazing guy," Scheifele said.

Scheifele has spent his entire 11-year career with the Jets after being drafted seventh overall in 2011. He's notched 577 points in 642 games with the club, including 70 in 67 contests last season.