Winnipeg Jets Franchise Profile:
Founded: 1999
Formerly known as: Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011)
Arena: MTS Centre
Stanley Cups: 0
Named for the state bird of Georgia, the Atlanta Thrashers began play in 1999. The franchise had only marginal success on the ice, with the team anchored by its one true elite player: forward Ilya Kovalchuk, drafted in 2001.
The Thrashers made their first playoff appearance in 2007. But ownership issues and financial problems hindered the team's efforts to build a contender and draw fans.
Kovalchuk was traded to New Jersey during the 2009-10 season, after the Thrashers couldn't come to terms on a contract extension for him. The deal signalled the beginning of the end in Atlanta. The Thrashers were sold and moved to Winnipeg in the summer of 2011.
Winnipeg had lost a previous NHL franchise, also called the Jets. The original Jets were founded in 1972 as a charter franchise of the World Hockey Association, joining the NHL when the WHA folded in 1979. The original Jets were sold and moved in 1996, becoming the Phoenix Coyotes.
The new Winnipeg Jets were an immediate hit, selling 13,000 season tickets in a few days. In its first NHL season, the Jets played in the Southeast Division, where the Thrashers has been. A move to the Western Conference was expected in the 2012 off-season.
Winnipeg Jets Retired Numbers:
None
*The original Winnipeg Jets retired #9 (Bobby Hull), #10 (Dale Hawerchuk), and #25 (Tomas Steen). Numbers 9 and 25 were used by the new Jets in the 2011-12 NHL season.
Winnipeg Jets Hockey Hall of Fame Members:
None
