Mark Scheifele’s career has taken off since being drafted seventh overall in June by the Winnipeg Jets.

And the 18-year-old is not about to come down just yet.

The Kitchener, ON. native signed a three-year entry level deal with the Jets, giving him the opportunity to start his 2011-12 season in the National Hockey League. He will earn $925,000 per season and $700,000 in average bonuses. Scheifele’s cap hit is $1,650,000.

The decision wasn’t a hard one from a Jets perspective. Scheifele was second in the league in preseason scoring with eight points in five games. The six-foot-three forward trailed just Dallas Stars centre Mike Ribeiro’s 10 point output.

The next closest Jet was defenseman Paul Postma, who recorded five points.

Winnipeg opens the season on Sunday, October 9th at home against the Montreal Canadiens.

Scheifele can still be returned to the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. After he plays in his 10th game, the first year of his contract is engaged, bringing him one year closer to restricted free agency. Should Scheifele play 40 games, he will move one year closer to restricted free agency.

Scheifele had 22 goals and 75 points in 66 games last year for the Colts.