Winnipeg Jets Make Room For Scheifele By Placing Forward on Waivers

The Winnipeg Jets are finally getting star forward Mark Scheifele back in the lineup after a 3½ week absence. But his return means the ouster of little-used Swedish forward Axel Jonsson-Fjällby, who has been placed on waivers. 

TRANSACTIONS: The #NHLJets have activated F - Mark Scheifele from injured reserve and placed F - Axel Jonsson-Fjällby on waivers.

— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) February 6, 2024

Jonsson-Fjällby, 25, has five points in 26 games with the Jets this season in limited action. He's averaged just eight minutes per contest. In 10 games thus far with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, he has five points. He was originally claimed off waivers from the Washington Capitals two years ago, now the Jets risk losing him in the same manner.

As for Scheifele, he says he's "ready to rock" and get back out there after close to a month out of action.

Mark Scheifele is "ready to rock" 👨‍🎤 🎸

📰 https://t.co/6CgwBlr9lx pic.twitter.com/KhXzcXZQEq

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) February 6, 2024

Scheifele has missed only six games, as the All-Star Break cut down on the number of contests the veteran was forced to miss. But the Jets clearly missed him, as they went 2-3-1 in his absence. And while he'll slot back onto the No. 1 line with Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi, the Jets will also have a new 2C making his debut, as newly-acquired Sean Monahan will also suit up tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He'll have Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers on his wings. 

Scheifele returns ready to build on his 14 goals and 41 points in 41 games, which still leads the team. He's coming off a 42-goal season, his 6th time in the last seven full NHL seasons surpassing the 25-goal mark. 

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports