NHL · Central · Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada · Canada Life Centre
Winnipeg Jets
Reclaimed from the heartbreak of relocation and reborn in a city that refused to let go, the Jets are Winnipeg's triumphant declaration that small-market hockey can thrive - a franchise whose return proved that some bonds between team and city are simply unbreakable.
1999–2011
Atlanta Thrashers
A struggling franchise in the Deep South
The franchise began as the Atlanta Thrashers in 1999, the NHL's return to Atlanta after the Flames had relocated to Calgary in 1980. Named after the Georgia state bird, the Thrashers played at Philips Arena and featured talented players like Ilya Kovalchuk, Dany Heatley, and Marian Hossa. Kovalchuk was drafted first overall in 2001 and became a dynamic goal scorer.
Despite the individual talent, the Thrashers made the playoffs just once in their 12-year existence and never won a playoff game. Declining attendance and financial difficulties led to the franchise being sold to True North Sports and Entertainment in 2011, resulting in the relocation to Winnipeg. The move was celebrated wildly in Manitoba, where fans had been devastated by the loss of the original Jets in 1996.
Key Facts
- Founded as the Atlanta Thrashers in 1999
- Ilya Kovalchuk drafted 1st overall in 2001
- Made the playoffs only once in 12 seasons
- Sold and relocated to Winnipeg in 2011
2011–2018
Hockey Returns to Winnipeg
A city gets its team back
The relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg in 2011 was one of the most emotional moments in Canadian hockey history. Winnipeg had been without NHL hockey since the original Jets left for Phoenix in 1996, and the return of a franchise was greeted with unparalleled enthusiasm. The MTS Centre (later Canada Life Centre) became one of the loudest arenas in the NHL, with the famous 'Whiteout' playoff tradition revived.
The early years in Winnipeg were focused on building a competitive roster. The team inherited the Thrashers' assets and gradually improved through the draft and trades. Dustin Byfuglien became a fan favorite with his physical, high-event style of play. Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele emerged as the team's offensive leaders, and the franchise steadily climbed the standings while establishing its identity in the Central Division.
Key Facts
- Relocated from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011
- Canada Life Centre became one of hockey's loudest venues
- The 'Whiteout' playoff tradition was revived
- Dustin Byfuglien became a beloved fan favorite
2018–Present
Contending in Winnipeg
Building a championship-caliber roster
The Jets' breakthrough came in 2017-18 when they advanced to the Western Conference Final behind a dominant regular season. The Whiteout at the Canada Life Centre became must-see television, with Winnipeg's passionate fans creating one of the most electric atmospheres in all of sports. Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine, and Nikolaj Ehlers formed one of the most talented offensive groups in the league.
Connor Hellebuyck established himself as one of the NHL's premier goaltenders, winning the Vezina Trophy and providing the team with an elite foundation. Kyle Connor emerged as a consistent goal-scoring threat, and the franchise has remained competitive in the Central Division. While a Stanley Cup has remained elusive, the Jets have proven that Winnipeg is one of the NHL's strongest markets, with unwavering fan support and a committed ownership group dedicated to bringing a championship to Manitoba.
Key Facts
- Reached the Western Conference Final in 2018
- Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy
- Kyle Connor became a consistent 40-goal scorer
- The Whiteout playoff atmosphere is among the best in the NHL