Jets’ Mark Scheifele Faces Uncertain Status After Father’s Death

DALLAS — Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele‘s status is uncertain for Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Dallas Stars on Saturday at American Airlines Center after the unexpected death of his father, Brad, on Friday night.

Scheifele received the heartbreaking news Saturday morning. Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff described the situation as “certainly unexpected” and mentioned that Coach Scott Arniel went back to the team hotel to be with Scheifele during the morning skate.

“He’s going to talk with Mark and spend some time with him, and we’ll go from there,” Cheveldayoff said. He also stated that Arniel would provide an update to the media at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The Jets currently trail the best-of-seven series 3-2. Team captain Adam Lowry shared how he got to know Scheifele’s father over the years, recalling his infectious laugh and unmatched energy. Lowry expressed deep sorrow, saying, “It’s a terrible loss. It’s tough to put into words how gutted we all feel for Mark and his family.”

Lowry was informed of the situation on his way to the morning skate and mentioned that Arniel addressed the team about the tragedy. Though Lowry had not yet spoken to Scheifele, he planned to visit him upon returning to the hotel.

“It’s not an easy thing to navigate, especially with the magnitude of the day in terms of our playoff lives,” Lowry said. “But it’s important that we’re there for him in just whatever capacity he needs. I think he needs to know that everyone in that room is there to support him.”

Scheifele has been a key player for the Jets, recording 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 10 playoff games. In this series against the Stars, he has contributed four points (two goals, two assists) in five games. The 32-year-old center tallied 87 points (39 goals, 48 assists) in the regular season.

Cheveldayoff added, “As an organization, we’re doing everything we can to support him and give his family our most sincere condolences. We’re a family, and we’re going to do everything we can to support our family.”