Mark Scheifele‘s father unexpectedly died Friday night, leaving the availability of the Winnipeg Jets‘ star forward in doubt for Saturday’s Game 6 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Stars.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff told reporters before the team’s morning skate that Brad Scheifele had died.
According to Cheveldayoff, Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel returned to the team’s hotel to speak with Mark Scheifele. Cheveldayoff said it was too early to say whether the 32-year-old forward would play in the team’s pivotal game Saturday night.
“As an organization we’re doing everything we can to support him and give his family our most sincere condolences. And obviously [we] ask that everybody respect his and their privacy at this time,” Cheveldayoff said.
Cheveldayoff said Arniel would update the media at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Scheifele collected a goal and an assist Thursday as Winnipeg staved off elimination with a 4-0 victory over Dallas. The Stars, however, hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Scheifele has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 10 games during the playoffs.
He recorded career highs in assists (48) and points (87) and had an NHL-best 11 game-winning goals while playing in all 82 games during the regular season.
