Jonathan Toews, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and forward for the Winnipeg Jets, recently expressed his enthusiasm and support for teammate Mark Scheifele. Toews would love to see Jets teammate Scheifele suit up for Canada in Milan for the 2026 Olympics, an opportunity that he believes Scheifele truly deserves.

Mark Scheifele: A Worthy Contender for Team Canada

Mark Scheifele, the 32-year-old centre from Kitchener, Ontario, is a key player for the Winnipeg Jets with consistent performances throughout his career. As of Monday’s home game against the Ottawa Senators, Scheifele has tallied 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists) in 31 games this season. He has been making significant contributions to the team, demonstrating his high-level skills and experience in the sport.

Support from Teammates and Coaches

Teammate Jonathan Toews is one of Scheifele’s biggest supporters. Toews, who has represented Canada in the Olympics twice, feels Scheifele has not yet received the recognition he deserves on an international level. The last time NHL players were included in the Olympics was in 2014, when Canada secured gold in Sochi, a memorable moment Toews was a part of.

Winnipeg head coach Scott Arniel also believes Scheifele deserves a spot on Team Canada. Arniel highlighted Scheifele’s excellent puck handling skills and his responsibilities without the puck. He believes Scheifele’s ability to adapt to different roles makes him a valuable asset for the Olympic team.

Scheifele’s Olympic Aspirations

Scheifele is aware of the buzz surrounding his potential Olympic appearance but is trying to stay focused on his performance. He is using the possibility of Olympic selection as a source of motivation rather than a cause for stress. Scheifele expressed his willingness to take on any role if selected for the team, emphasizing his commitment to the team and the desire to win above all else.

Other Olympic Hopefuls from the Jets

Mark Scheifele is not the only member of the Winnipeg Jets eyeing a spot in the Olympics. Others include Calgary-born defenseman Josh Morrissey and Americans Kyle Connor and goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Morrissey, who played on Canada’s 4 Nations squad, expressed his hopes of skating alongside Scheifele in Milan.

As the roster deadline for the 2026 Games in Italy approaches on December 31, the anticipation grows for all hopeful players. The men’s competition is set to begin on February 11, opening a new chapter of excitement and competition in the world of international hockey.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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