The Winnipeg Jets are a Canadian hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The team has been a member of the NHL since 2011. This is after the Atlanta Thrashers became the Jets. The home arena is called the MTS Center and was inaugurated in 2004. The team is part of the Central Division along with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators and St. Louis. Louis Blues. The Winnipeg Jets previously existed between the years 1972 - 1996 but had to move to Atlanta, Georgia due to the economy.