History of the Winnipeg JetsÂ
Welcome to the history of the Winnipeg Jets who are part of the Central Division of the NHL! This franchise has had a turbulent past. Yet, their resilience and commitment to its fans have made it one of the most beloved teams in the NHL. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of the Winnipeg Jets.
The Early Years
The Winnipeg Jets were founded in 1972 as part of the World Hockey Association (WHA). The WHA was a rival league to the NHL and offered players higher salaries than the NHL. The Jets were an instant success, winning the inaugural Avco World Trophy, which was the WHA’s championship trophy, in 1973. The team boasted a talented roster, including legendary player Bobby Hull.
In 1979, the WHA folded, and finally, the Jets, along with three other teams, were absorbed into the NHL. The Jets struggled in their first few seasons in the NHL, eventually finishing last in their division for the first three years. However, the team’s fortunes began to change in the 1980s when they drafted Dale Hawerchuk. He would become one of the most iconic players in the franchise’s history.
Hawerchuk and the Jets Rise to Prominence
With Hawerchuk leading the way, the Jets eventually began to emerge as a formidable team in the NHL. They made the playoffs for the first time in the 1984-85 season. In addition, Hawerchuk the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie that same year. The Jets continued to improve. Finally, they reached the second round of the playoffs in the 1986-87 season.
The 1990s were a high point for the Jets, with the team making the playoffs in six of the ten years. However, despite their regular season success, they struggled to make it past the first round of the playoffs. Overall, the team was dealt a major blow in 1995 when Hawerchuk was traded to the Buffalo Sabres.
The Jets’ Final Years in Winnipeg
The Jets continued to struggle in the late 1990s, and the team was eventually sold to a group of businessmen in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1996. The team moved to Phoenix and was renamed the Phoenix Coyotes, leaving Winnipeg without an NHL team for 15 years.
However, the Jets returned to Winnipeg in 2011, much to the delight of their passionate fanbase. The team has had mixed success since returning. In the end, they made the playoffs in four of their ten seasons back in Winnipeg but failed to advance past the second round.
In conclusion, the Winnipeg Jets have a storied history, marked by incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. Overall, the Jets have always been a team that their fans can be proud of. With a dedicated fanbase and a talented roster, the future looks bright for the Winnipeg Jets.
* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.