Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Mark Scheifele Suffers Devastating Family Tragedy: Status for Tonight's Game Unknown

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 17, 2025 1:42 PM ET

Mark Scheifele has been a star for the Jets in the post-season, but on the eve of Game 6, he announced heartbreaking news.

After being the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Winnipeg Jets must save off elimination again on Saturday night as they head to Dallas to battle the Stars in Game 6 while the team is down 3-2 in the series.

Unfortunately, they may be without one of their top names for the game, as Elliotte Friedman has announced tragic news surrounding Jets veteran star Mark Scheifele ahead of the game.

According to Friedman, Scheifele's father Brad passed away overnight, with Scott Arniel comforting his veteran star as news of the tragedy broke throughout the Jets camp.

This is absolutely heartbreaking news for Scheifele, as he now has to make a decision between missing a must-win playoff game or battling through the pain, and either way, it's absolutely tragic for the beloved Jets superstar.

General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has asked that the privacy of the family be respected at this time, and with the game not taking place until later in the evening, they've revealed that it's too soon to know Scheifele's status ahead of their Saturday night matchup.

If he were to miss the game, it could be a brutal blow for the Jets chances, but given how much family means to everyone, absolutely no one could blame him for missing the game as he goes through the grieving process.

We take this time to send our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Scheifele, his family and friends and anyone that was effected by Mark's father and the beautiful Scheifele family.

Rest in Peace, Brad Scheifele.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: