Jets’ star winger, Kyle Connor, has inked a substantial eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg team, securing his stay in the city. The agreement, valued at $96 million with an average annual salary of $12 million USD, was officially disclosed by the team on Wednesday. The new contract will come into effect next season, following the conclusion of the current one.
This deal stands as the largest in the history of the Jets organization. Notably, nearly two years ago, the Jets had struck identical seven-year agreements with forward Mark Scheifele and goalie Connor Hellebuyck, each with an average annual worth of $8.5 million USD. Those extensions became effective in the previous season.
A first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2015 NHL draft, Kyle Connor, 28, has solidified his position as one of the league’s top scorers. His impressive performance last season, tallying 41 goals and 56 assists for the Jets, along with a plus-17 defensive rating, placed him as the team’s lead point scorer and seventh overall in the league.
During the postseason, Connor showcased his prowess by playing all 13 games for the Jets, leading the team in points (17) and assists (12), with his five goals matching the team’s highest. His outstanding play in the previous season also earned him a spot on the NHL first all-star team.
Since entering the NHL full-time in the 2017-18 season, Kyle Connor has consistently delivered strong performances, scoring a minimum of 30 goals in seven seasons and surpassing 60 points six times. With a career total of 582 points (284 goals, 298 assists) in 613 NHL games, Connor’s skill and dedication to the game have been widely recognized.
Moreover, in 2022, Kyle Connor clinched the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and outstanding playing ability. This accolade further solidified his status as a key player in the league.
