The 1995–96 Winnipeg Jets season was the team's 24th and their final season in

Winnipeg Winnipeg () is the capital and largest city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Manitoba. It is centred on the confluence of the Red River of the North, Red and Assiniboine River, Assiniboine rivers. , Winnipeg h ...

before the franchise was moved to

Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities and towns in Arizona#List of cities and towns, most populous city of the U.S. state of Arizona. With over 1.6 million residents at the 2020 census, it is the ...

, and renamed the

Phoenix Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...

. The NHL returned to Winnipeg following the 2010–11 season, when the

Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...

became the "new"

Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The Jets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The te ...

. The Jets managed to qualify for the eighth and final playoff Western Conference playoff berth in their final season in Winnipeg. The Jets were eliminated in the first round in six games by the

Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...

winners, the

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

Off-season

The interim label was removed from head coach Terry Simpson's title on June 20. The Jets picked

Shane Doan Shane Albert Doan (born October 10, 1976) is a Canadian ice hockey executive and former player currently serving as an assistant to Brad Treliving for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). Doan List of NHL players who spe ...

of the

Kamloops Blazers The Kamloops Blazers are a Canadian major junior ice hockey team based in Kamloops, British Columbia. The team plays in the B.C. Division of the Western Hockey League's Western Conference and plays its home games at the Sandman Centre. The Blaze ...

as their first-round pick, seventh overall. Due to contractual disagreements,

Keith Tkachuk Keith Matthew Tkachuk (; born March 28, 1972) is an Americans, American former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) in an 18-year career with the Winnipeg Jets (1972–1996), Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes ...

was replaced as captain by Kris King.

Regular season

Their 36 wins were the highest since the Jets won 40 games during the 1992–93 season.

Season standings

Playoffs

The Jets lost their first round series 4–2 to the

. Winnipeg played their last-ever game on April 28, 1996, a home playoff loss to the Red Wings, 4–1. Norm Maciver scored the last goal in original Jets history.

Schedule and results

Regular season

, - , 1, , October 7, 1995, , 7–5 , , style="text-align:left;",

Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...

( 1995–96) , , 1–0–0 , , 13,914 , , , - , 2, , October 9, 1995, , 4–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Mighty may refer to: Businesses *Mighty Audio, an American company known for its product ''Mighty'', a portable audio player *Mighty Animation, an animation studio based in Guadalajara, Mexico Films *''The Mighty'', a 1998 comedy–drama * ''The ...

( 1995–96) , , 2–0–0 , , 7,856 , , , - , 3, , October 11, 1995, , 4–6 , , style="text-align:left;", @

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

( 1995–96) , , 2–1–0 , , 18,200 , , , - , 4, , October 12, 1995, , 1–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The club w ...

( 1995–96) , , 2–2–0 , , 10,392 , , , - , 5, , October 15, 1995, , 5–5 OT, , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 2–2–1 , , 9,399 , , , - , 6, , October 17, 1995, , 5–2 , , style="text-align:left;",

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...

( 1995–96) , , 3–2–1 , , 6,770 , , , - , 7, , October 19, 1995, , 3–3 OT, , style="text-align:left;",

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...

( 1995–96) , , 3–2–2 , , 9,001 , , , - , 8, , October 22, 1995, , 2–6 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 3–3–2 , , 17,033 , , , - , 9, , October 25, 1995, , 6–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 4–3–2 , , 17,190 , , , - , 10, , October 27, 1995, , 5–7 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

( 1995–96) , , 4–4–2 , , 10,527 , , , - , 11, , October 28, 1995, , 4–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

( 1995–96) , , 5–4–2 , , 18,184 , , , - , 12, , October 30, 1995, , 3–2 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 6–4–2 , , 7,905 , , , - , - , 13, , November 1, 1995, , 2–4 , , style="text-align:left;",

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

( 1995–96) , , 6–5–2 , , 8,219 , , , - , 14, , November 3, 1995, , 2–5 , , style="text-align:left;",

Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...

( 1995–96) , , 6–6–2 , , 13,111 , , , - , 15, , November 5, 1995, , 4–3 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...

( 1995–96) , , 7–6–2 , , 10,772 , , , - , 16, , November 10, 1995, , 2–3 , , style="text-align:left;", @

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

( 1995–96) , , 7–7–2 , , 18,303 , , , - , 17, , November 14, 1995, , 6–5 OT, , style="text-align:left;",

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (N ...

( 1995–96) , , 8–7–2 , , 9,716 , , , - , 18, , November 17, 1995, , 6–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 9–7–2 , , 11,306 , , , - , 19, , November 18, 1995, , 1–2 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 9–8–2 , , 15,746 , , , - , 20, , November 21, 1995, , 4–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

( 1995–96) , , 9–9–2 , , 17,167 , , , - , 21, , November 22, 1995, , 3–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...

( 1995–96) , , 10–9–2 , , 8,426 , , , - , 22, , November 26, 1995, , 4–0 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 11–9–2 , , 10,070 , , , - , 23, , November 28, 1995, , 4–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 12–9–2 , , 9,694 , , , - , 24, , November 30, 1995, , 1–4 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 12–10–2 , , 9,222 , , , - , - , 25, , December 2, 1995, , 2–2 OT, , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 12–10–3 , , 10,770 , , , - , 26, , December 3, 1995, , 5–2 , , style="text-align:left;",

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

( 1995–96) , , 13–10–3 , , 8,721 , , , - , 27, , December 6, 1995, , 3–6 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...

( 1995–96) , , 13–11–3 , , 12,105 , , , - , 28, , December 7, 1995, , 3–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 13–12–3 , , 17,190 , , , - , 29, , December 10, 1995, , 1–6 , , style="text-align:left;",

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

( 1995–96) , , 13–13–3 , , 8,317 , , , - , 30, , December 12, 1995, , 5–6 , , style="text-align:left;",

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

( 1995–96) , , 13–14–3 , , 14,321 , , , - , 31, , December 15, 1995, , 9–4 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 14–14–3 , , 8,504 , , , - , 32, , December 17, 1995, , 1–3 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 14–15–3 , , 18,385 , , , - , 33, , December 19, 1995, , 3–6 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 14–16–3 , , 16,581 , , , - , 34, , December 21, 1995, , 1–6 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...

( 1995–96) , , 14–17–3 , , 13,601 , , , - , 35, , December 23, 1995, , 2–1 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 15–17–3 , , 9,527 , , , - , 36, , December 28, 1995, , 3–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 15–18–3 , , 21,701 , , , - , 37, , December 29, 1995, , 5–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 16–18–3 , , 13,003 , , , - , 38, , December 31, 1995, , 3–5 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 16–19–3 , , 15,513 , , , - , - , 39, , January 3, 1996, , 5–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 17–19–3 , , 12,675 , , , - , 40, , January 5, 1996, , 4–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 17–20–3 , , 15,412 , , , - , 41, , January 8, 1996, , 6–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 18–20–3 , , 19,825 , , , - , 42, , January 10, 1996, , 4–1 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 19–20–3 , , 9,326 , , , - , 43, , January 12, 1996, , 2–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its 25-year existence in Hartford, Connecticut. The club played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972 until 1979, and in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1 ...

( 1995–96) , , 19–21–3 , , 9,709 , , , - , 44, , January 14, 1996, , 4–6 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 19–22–3 , , 10,661 , , , - , 45, , January 16, 1996, , 1–1 OT, , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 19–22–4 , , 10,316 , , , - , 46, , January 17, 1996, , 4–2 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 20–22–4 , , 15,746 , , , - , 47, , January 24, 1996, , 5–6 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 20–23–4 , , 12,049 , , , - , 48, , January 27, 1996, , 1–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 20–24–4 , , 17,576 , , , - , 49, , January 29, 1996, , 2–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 21–24–4 , , 15,207 , , , - , - , 50, , February 1, 1996, , 4–6 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 21–25–4 , , 16,061 , , , - , 51, , February 4, 1996, , 2–4 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 21–26–4 , , 10,472 , , , - , 52, , February 8, 1996, , 6–2 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 22–26–4 , , 8,673 , , , - , 53, , February 10, 1996, , 3–2 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 23–26–4 , , 17,556 , , , - , 54, , February 13, 1996, , 4–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 23–27–4 , , 16,355 , , , - , 55, , February 16, 1996, , 0–1 , , style="text-align:left;",

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...

( 1995–96) , , 23–28–4 , , 15,563 , , , - , 56, , February 18, 1996, , 0–3 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 23–29–4 , , 20,017 , , , - , 57, , February 21, 1996, , 3–5 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 23–30–4 , , 8,592 , , , - , 58, , February 23, 1996, , 1–0 OT, , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 24–30–4 , , 13,741 , , , - , 59, , February 26, 1996, , 4–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 25–30–4 , , 13,107 , , , - , 60, , February 28, 1996, , 4–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 26–30–4 , , 13,518 , , , - , - , 61, , March 1, 1996, , 5–2 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 27–30–4 , , 11,552 , , , - , 62, , March 3, 1996, , 7–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

( 1995–96) , , 28–30–4 , , 13,107 , , , - , 63, , March 5, 1996, , 4–9 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 28–31–4 , , 15,980 , , , - , 64, , March 7, 1996, , 5–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 29–31–4 , , 11,322 , , , - , 65, , March 9, 1996, , 2–4 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 29–32–4 , , 12,647 , , , - , 66, , March 10, 1996, , 2–5 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 29–33–4 , , 14,757 , , , - , 67, , March 12, 1996, , 2–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 29–34–4 , , 19,983 , , , - , 68, , March 13, 1996, , 3–3 OT, , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 29–34–5 , , 15,746 , , , - , 69, , March 16, 1996, , 0–3 , , style="text-align:left;", @

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

( 1995–96) , , 29–35–5 , , 17,380 , , , - , 70, , March 20, 1996, , 1–7 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 29–36–5 , , 10,800 , , , - , 71, , March 22, 1996, , 4–1 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 30–36–5 , , 15,565 , , , - , 72, , March 24, 1996, , 2–5 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 30–37–5 , , 15,518 , , , - , 73, , March 26, 1996, , 8–2 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 31–37–5 , , 16,184 , , , - , 74, , March 27, 1996, , 3–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 32–37–5 , , 16,061 , , , - , 75, , March 29, 1996, , 2–3 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 32–38–5 , , 16,437 , , , - , 76, , March 31, 1996, , 4–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 33–38–5 , , 18,155 , , , - , - , 77, , April 3, 1996, , 3–1 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 34–38–5 , , 11,958 , , , - , 78, , April 6, 1996, , 4–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 35–38–5 , , 15,557 , , , - , 79, , April 8, 1996, , 2–2 OT, , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 35–38–6 , , 20,514 , , , - , 80, , April 10, 1996, , 2–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 35–39–6 , , 19,983 , , , - , 81, , April 12, 1996, , 5–3 , , style="text-align:left;",

( 1995–96) , , 36–39–6 , , 15,567 , , , - , 82, , April 14, 1996, , 2–5 , , style="text-align:left;", @

( 1995–96) , , 36–40–6 , , 17,174 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Playoffs

, - , 1 , , April 17, 1996 , , 1–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @

, , 19,983 , , Red Wings lead 1–0 , , , - , 2 , , April 19, 1996 , , 0–4 , , style="text-align:left;", @ Detroit Red Wings , , 19,983 , , Red Wings lead 2–0 , , , - , - , 3 , , April 21, 1996 , , 4–1 , , style="text-align:left;", Detroit Red Wings , , 15,544 , , Red Wings lead 2–1 , , , - , 4 , , April 23, 1996 , , 1–6 , , style="text-align:left;", Detroit Red Wings , , 15,557 , , Red Wings lead 3–1 , , , - , - , 5 , , April 26, 1996 , , 3–1 , , style="text-align:left;", @ Detroit Red Wings , , 19,983 , , Red Wings lead 3–2 , , , - , 6 , , April 28, 1996 , , 1–4 , , style="text-align:left;", Detroit Red Wings , , 15,567 , , Red Wings win 4–2 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Scoring

* ''Position abbreviations: C =

Centre Center or centre may refer to: Mathematics *Center (geometry), the middle of an object * Center (algebra), used in various contexts ** Center (group theory) ** Center (ring theory) * Graph center, the set of all vertices of minimum eccentricity ...

; D =

Defence Defense or defence may refer to: Tactical, martial, and political acts or groups * Defense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare * Civil defense, the organizing of civilians to deal with emergencies or enemy attacks * Defense indust ...

; G =

Goaltender In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as goalie or netminder) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their own team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays ...

; LW =

Left wing Left-wing politics describes the range of political ideologies that support and seek to achieve social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy either as a whole or of certain social hierarchies. Left-wing politic ...

; RW =

Right wing Right-wing politics is the range of Ideology#Political ideologies, political ideologies that view certain social orders and Social stratification, hierarchies as inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this position b ...

'' * '' = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Jets only.'' * '' = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Jets only.''

Goaltending

* '' = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Jets only.'' * '' = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Jets only.''

Awards and records

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

Trades

Waivers

Free agents

Draft picks

Winnipeg's draft picks at the 1995 NHL entry draft held at the

Edmonton Coliseum Northlands Coliseum is a defunct indoor arena in Edmonton, Alberta. It was used for sports events and concerts, and was home to the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and National Hockey League (NHL), and the Edmonton Oil Kin ...

Edmonton Edmonton is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Alberta. It is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Central Alberta ...

Alberta Alberta is a Provinces and territories of Canada, province in Canada. It is a part of Western Canada and is one of the three Canadian Prairies, prairie provinces. Alberta is bordered by British Columbia to its west, Saskatchewan to its east, t ...

Relocation to Phoenix

As the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

(NHL) expanded into the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, the team operating costs and salaries grew rapidly; this development put a high strain on the League's Canadian teams. As Winnipeg was the League's second-smallest market (eventually becoming the smallest market after the

Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques (, pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated "Northmen" or "Northerners") were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association (1972–1979) an ...

moved to

Denver Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...

Colorado Colorado is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States. It is one of the Mountain states, sharing the Four Corners region with Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. It is also bordered by Wyoming to the north, Nebraska to the northeast, Kansas ...

, in

1995 1995 was designated as: * United Nations Year for Tolerance * World Year of Peoples' Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War This was the first year that the Internet was entirely privatized, with the United States government ...

), the Jets were unable to retain their best players. Various schemes were devised to save the team through a tremendous

grassroots A grassroots movement is one that uses the people in a given district, region or community as the basis for a political or continent movement. Grassroots movements and organizations use collective action from volunteers at the local level to imp ...

effort and government funds, but in the end, the efforts were not enough. Despite strong fan support, the Winnipeg Jets were at a financial disadvantage with many American franchises. The team was sold to Phoenix businessmen Steven Gluckstern and Richard Burke, and in 1996, the club moved to

Arizona Arizona is a U.S. state, state in the Southwestern United States, Southwestern region of the United States, sharing the Four Corners region of the western United States with Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It also borders Nevada to the nort ...

and became the Phoenix Coyotes. In the summer that the move took place, the franchise saw the exit of Jets stars like Teemu Selanne and

Alexei Zhamnov Alexei Yuryevich "Alex" Zhamnov (; born October 1, 1970) is a former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Winnipeg Jets, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins. He is currently s ...

, while the team added established superstar

Jeremy Roenick Jeremy Shaffer Roenick ( ; born January 17, 1970) is an American former professional ice hockey player who played the majority of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 8th overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Chica ...

from the

. Roenick teamed up with power wingers

and

Rick Tocchet Richard Tocchet ( ; born April 9, 1964) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the sixth round, 121st overall, by the ...

to form a dynamic 1–2–3 offensive punch that led the Coyotes through their first years in Arizona. Also impressive were young players

(who was the last remaining original Jet active in the NHL),

Oleg Tverdovsky Oleg Fedorovych Tverdovsky (; born 18 May 1976) is a Russians, Russian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played professionally from 1994 to 2013. He was selected 2nd overall by the Anaheim Ducks, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the 1994 NH ...

and goaltender

Nikolai Khabibulin Nikolai Alexandrovich Khabibulin (; rus, Николай Александрович Хабибулин, p=xəbʲɪˈbulʲɪn, born January 13, 1973) is a Russian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Known by the nickname "The Bulin Wall", h ...

, whom the fans nicknamed the "Bulin Wall."

Notes

References

;General ;Statistics * * {{DEFAULTSORT:1995-96 Winnipeg Jets Season Winnipeg Jets (1972–1996) seasons Winnipeg Jets season, 1995-96 Winn 1995 in sports in Manitoba 1996 in sports in Manitoba 1990s in Winnipeg