1. Mark Scheifele Has Not Changed His Position on His Suspension
The biggest surprise today for the assembled media may have been how adamant Mark Scheifele was that the NHL Department of Player Safety was wrong in suspending him four games during the playoffs.
I have stated that while I do think Scheifele deserved a suspension for the reckless hit, a four-game suspension seemed excessive given the precedent that the DOPS had set with previous recent incidents that were more egregious in my opinion.
The Jets were never going to win a playoff series against the Canadiens without their best forward, so essentially the decision ended any chances the team had. Scheifele expressed his disagreement immediately after the decision, and his position has not changed three games later.
"I thought I was going to be tried to be shut down by Phillip Danault," says Mark Scheifele. "Instead it was department of player safety that shut me down."
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) June 9, 2021
"I still believe it was excessive. They knocked me out of the series. I didn't get the chance to battle with my teammates. I'm going to stop talking before I get fined. I'll leave it as it is." #NHLJets Mark Scheifele, still frustrated over his 4-game suspension, speaking now.
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) June 9, 2021
Scheifele concluded the media session by saying all the right things about working hard over the summer and believing in the core of the team. It is clear that he may forgive, but won’t forget in terms of his suspension, particularly as he will be suspended for the first game of next season to complete his four-game penalty.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: How do you feel about what the Winnipeg Jets players said or did not say in their year end media interviews? Leave your comments below!