Jets star forward, Kyle Connor, has inked a significant contract extension to remain with the Winnipeg team. The organization officially disclosed on Wednesday that they have reached an agreement with Connor for an eight-year deal worth $96 million, equating to an average annual value of $12 million in US currency. This new contract will come into effect next season following the conclusion of the current one.
The deal stands as the largest in the history of the Jets. A similar milestone was achieved nearly two years ago when the team secured identical seven-year contracts with forward Mark Scheifele and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, each valued at $8.5 million annually. These previous extensions took effect last season.
At 28 years old, Connor, originally selected as the 17th overall pick by the Jets in the 2015 NHL draft, has evolved into one of the league’s premier scorers. Notably, he recorded 41 goals and 56 assists for the Jets in the previous season, coupled with a commendable plus-17 defensive rating. His 97 points not only led the team but also positioned him at seventh place in the league overall.
During the postseason, Connor played in all 13 games for the Jets, emerging as the team leader in both points (17) and assists (12), while also sharing the top spot in goals scored with five. His outstanding performance throughout the season merited him a well-deserved place on the NHL first all-star team.
Since transitioning to a full-time NHL player in the 2017-18 season, Connor has consistently achieved impressive milestones, including scoring at least 30 goals in seven seasons and surpassing 60 points on six occasions. With 582 points (284 goals and 298 assists) in 613 career NHL games, Connor’s prowess on the ice is undeniable. In 2022, he was honored with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for exemplifying exceptional sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and remarkable playing ability.
