Jets' Scheifele connects with Connor to earn 900th NHL point: 'It's just instinct'

Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor (81) celebrates his goal against the Seattle Kraken with Mark Scheifele (55) during second period NHL hockey action in Winnipeg, Monday, April 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Greenslade

WINNIPEG — Mark Scheifele’s 900th career NHL point came exactly how one might expect: setting up Kyle Connor, his longtime linemate.

The veteran centre reached the milestone with a second-period assist, eventually finishing with three helpers in the Winnipeg Jets’ 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken at Canada Life Centre on Monday night.

As the first-ever draft pick taken by the Jets 2.0 — selected seventh overall in the 2011 NHL Draft — Scheifele has spent his entire career in Winnipeg. At 33 years old, he already has the most points in franchise history (901) and is also the leader in games played (956).

But if you ask his coaches and teammates, they say it’s the work Scheifele puts in daily that has him reaching such an impressive benchmark.

“His body’s always ready to go,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said. “It’s a case of he’s determined, he’s driven, and he wants to have team success. With team success comes individual success.”

Scheifele registered the 900th point by feeding Connor for a power-play goal at 12:09 of the middle frame, giving Winnipeg a 3-1 lead. The pair connected for a second time at 15:19 of the third period for Connor’s second of the night — a marker that made it 5-2, ultimately putting the game out of reach.

“It means a lot,” said Scheifele, who also assisted on Gabriel Vilardi’s second-period power-play marker. “I’m obviously very honoured and humbled by it. So, it’s pretty cool to think about. It’ll probably take a little bit to sink in. But it’s very cool in my mind.”

When asked who he thinks about after such a special occasion, Scheifele got nostalgic, reflecting on his 13 NHL seasons.

“Everyone that’s been in my life throughout the hockey years,” he said. “Family, obviously, is big. I’ve just got to thank God for it all. I’m very blessed, very lucky.”

Scheifele has made efforts in recent years to engage with the younger players on the Jets, with the hope his strong work ethic and habits rub off on his teammates. It’s been especially important this season, as Winnipeg continues to battle for the second wild-card playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Rookie Brad Lambert, whose third-period goal was a key moment in Monday’s victory, is one of the younger players keeping a close eye on Scheifele.

“He is the last guy off the ice a lot,” Lambert said. “Someone with 900 points who continues to work that hard and continues to find things to improve in his game, it is special to watch.”

Arniel added that Scheifele’s impact expands well beyond the goals and assists, further highlighting his willingness to share his advice and routine with the next generation of players.

“It isn’t just go out and have your 30-to-45-minute practice and get yourself off the ice,” the coach said. “It’s go out for a purpose and the purpose is to get yourself ready for the next game. In the weight room, the maintenance he has on his body, what he does on the ice — all that preparation — guys watch him. He’s not afraid to talk about it and the young guys, they like to listen.”

Arniel added: “Those guys all probably had pretty good mentors on their way up the ladder, and we need those guys to help the guys that are coming.”

Scheifele was also quick to give credit to Connor. The duo has been a fixture on Winnipeg’s top line for several years.

“It’s just instinct. We’ve played with each other a long time,” Scheifele said of their chemistry. “I love going out to battle with him every shift. He’s a phenomenal guy, phenomenal player. I’m very, very lucky to have him on my left side.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2026.

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press