Winnipeg Jets

The original Winnipeg JetsArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceClose played at Winnipeg Arena, entering the WHA in 1972 before joining the NHL in 1979. Their WHAArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceClose years brought three championships, with Avco Cup wins in 1976, 1978 and 1979.

Anders Hedberg, Ulf Nilsson and Thomas Steen made their mark on the Jets in the WHA and NHL eras respectivelyArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceClose. Hedberg and Nilsson led the team to the 1976 Avco CupArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceClose alongside Bobby Hull. Steen spent 14 NHL seasons with the original Jets, who retired his number 25 in 1995Article in WikipediaRead the sourceClose.

The Jets’Article in WikipediaRead the sourceClose recruitment of Hedberg and Nilsson grew from a specific connection to Swedish hockey: Jerry Wilson recommended them while assessing Swedish players, and both joined in 1974. Their scoring alongside Hull helped Winnipeg win the 1976Article in WikipediaRead the sourceClose and 1978 WHA championships. That shared attacking era ended when the two Swedes joined the New York RangersArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceClose in 1978.

What happened next?

The original Jets relocated to Phoenix in 1996; today’s Winnipeg JetsArticle in WikipediaRead the sourceClose arrived through Atlanta’s relocation in 2011. The NHLArticle in NHLRead the sourceClose consolidated Jets statistical histories in September 2026.