The Jets are rising and so are their cards

John Newman | Nov 28, 2024

Young Gun Rookies of some of Winnipeg's key cogs / John Newman

There are two "Jets" teams in professional sports and they appear to be going in opposite directions. Today let's discuss the franchise becoming the class of the NHL..The Winnipeg Jets. We'll also be highlighting some of the key cogs to their success and their accompanying Upper Deck Young Gun rookies that collectors love.

Nov 23, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk (4) skates behind the net against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images / Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

At the time of this writing they lead the NHL with an impressive 18-5 record. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has been at that helm for 13 seasons with 11 of those seasons being winning ones, the last 7 years has seen the Jets make 6 Stanley Cup playoff appearances. This year he hired Scott Arniel to lead the team as the new head coach and that decision seems to be paying dividends thus far. The foster is resilient, youthful and packed with insane depth.

Let's talk about a few of those key players and their Young Gun rookies:

1. Connor Hellebuyck

Nov 25, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) takes a breather against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images / Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

He's a two time Vezina Trophy winner who has racked up 290 wins including back to back 37 win seasons. His 2.61 GAA is the envy of many fellow netminders. He's currently 15-2 this season. His Young Gun appears in the 2015-16 set, card number #214 and can be had for around $30.

2. Mark Scheifele

Nov 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) warms up against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Scheifele has quietly become one of the NHL's best centerman. He's amassed 700 points including over 300+ goals. This season he's tallied 12 goals and 14 assists. Get his Young Gun in the 2011-12 Upper Deck set. It's card number #248 and will only cost you a twenty dollar bill.

3. Kyle Connor

Nov 23, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) skates with the puck against the Nashville Predators during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images / Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

This winger is approaching 300 goals for his career and has scored 30 goals in 6 of the last 7 seasons including scoring almost 50 in 2022. Currently he has 13 goals and 15 assists. His Young Gun is in the 2016-17 Upper Deck set and is card number #212 and appears to be a great bargain at $20.

4. Nikolaj Ehlers

Nov 5, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers (27) takes a shot on the Utah Hockey Club net during the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: Terrence Lee-Imagn Images / Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

Just 28 years old the former #9 overall pick is usually consistent. He's amassed 200+ goals. Right now he has 24 points on the season. His Young Gun can be found in the 2015-16 set as card number #223 and may be looked at as a steal for just $8.

5. Josh Morrissey

Nov 7, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) warms up before a game against the Colorado Avalanche at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images / James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images

An All-Star defenseman who just inked an 8-year 50 million dollar deal, He helps clear the zone in front of Connor Hellebuyck. Get his Young Gun in 2016-17 Upper Deck. Card number #226 and the low price of around $15.