The Winnipeg Jets have gotten a key piece of business done today having arrived at an agreement with their franchise forward Kyle Connor. Via insider Darren Dreger, the club has extended Connor to an 8 year $96 million contract for an average annual value of $12 million per season.
This is great news for the Winnipeg Jets faithful to get this contract signed just prior to the start of the season as the NHL has enjoyed a domino effect of big money deals being completed of late. It is better for the Jets to get this done now, so as to avoid contract talk distractions throughout the season.
Last season in what was a career season for the American forward, Connor registered 41 goals and 56 assists for 97 points in 82 games. In the playoffs, he amassed 5 goals and 12 assists in 13 games.
What does this move mean for the Jets?
Getting this Connor contract signed now is a sign the Jets are going all in. The pressure is on in Winnipeg to deliver a Stanley Cup championship to a hockey market that has been craving it.
For Connor to extend to what is nowadays a reasonable $12 million hit as well shows his commitment to the Jets and his desire to win in Winnipeg. This gives the club room to be able to continue providing him a strong supporting cast around him.
Connor has been a premier player for the Jets throughout his NHL tenure thus far. In his 9 year career, he has totaled 284 goals and 298 assists for 582 points in 613 games. In the postseason, he has recorded 20 goals and 29 assists for 49 points in 58 games.