Mark Scheifele seized what he wanted most from restricted free agency: eight years.
The breakout star couldn't contain his excitement shortly after signing a $49-million maximum-term contract extension that will keep him with the Winnipeg Jets through the 2023-2024 season.
"I haven't stopped smiling since I found out," he said.
What he discovered Friday afternoon was that Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and his staff were willing to tender the maximum allowable term under the Collective Bargaining Agreement to the former seventh overall selection. His delight is born from the belief that the Jets are building toward something special.
"I believe in the organization. I believe in the players that are on the team. I believe in the future prospects of the team. It's an honor to be a part of it, that's what makes it exciting for me. That's what made it just an easy choice to sign for eight years in Winnipeg.
"I'm so honored, and so unbelievably happy."
It was the organization that made the sizable financial commitment, but it was Scheifele's investment in the happenings with the franchise that was most absorbing as he spoke in a conference call.
Scheifele, a self-proclaimed hockey nerd, admitted to streaming the Jets' inter-squad game, and gushed about the prospects he'll soon call teammates as well as the talented collection of players he shares a room with now.
"It does make you excited," he said, "and that's why I wanted to go long term."
