When the Jets lost their top centre Mark Scheifele in the first game of the 2020 play-in series against the Flames it was clear the injury was significant and would likely cost him some time. Jets coach Paul Maurice spoke following his team’s ouster by Calgary after game 4 and he acknowledged that Scheifele had been dealing with a “crushing” injury sustained on the hit from Matthew Tkachuk although he didn’t feel like there were any long term concerns. Unlike Laine and Appleton who had two to three week recovery timelines on their injuries the Jets bench boss didn’t provide one for Scheifele.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Today when Mark Scheifele spoke as part of the Jets end of season media availability he acknowledged that he initially thought the worst with regards to the injury but had a second opinion . His initial thought was he had torn his Achilles and would be done for six months. Added he had lots of “bad thoughts go through his mind” that he would be done for six months or that his career could be over. Said he didn’t need surgery.
Who did he turn to when things were looking grim? According to Scheifele he turned to his parents right after the injury in order to go from being in a dark place to feeling positive. He also said he spoke with the Jets chaplain Lorne Korol.
Despite the injury costing him the playoffs when asked if he’d be ready to go when hockey resumed for the 2020-21 season (whenever that is) he replied “…I am definitely going to be back to 100% in the near future and obviously that’s very lucky from what it could have been to what it is, I’m very lucky and I’ll be good as new very soon.”
Which translates to good news for the Jets as it was pretty clear what happens to this team when they don’t have their top centre in the lineup.
