The Winnipeg Jets already locked up one restricted free agent in Patrik Laine. Now, the Jets announced they have agreed to a deal with their other RFA as the team has signed Kyle Connor to a seven-year, $50MM contract, which comes to a $7.14MM AAV.
A breakdown of the contract is here as there are no signing bonuses. The deal also includes a no-trade clause in the final two years of the deal:
2019-20: $7.5 million base salary
2020-21: $8 million base salary
2021-22: $7.5 million base salary
2022-23: $5 million base salary
2023-24: $7.5 million base salary
2024-25: $7.5 million base salary
2025-26: $7 million base salary
With Connor signed to a $7.14MM deal and Laine having signed on Friday to a two-year, $6.75MM deal, the team has locked up the pair to a respectable $13.89MM combined. With the signing of both Laine and Connor, the Jets now have $7.61MM in projected cap space. Coincidentally, defenseman Dustin Byfuglien makes $7.6MM, so if the veteran does decide he wants to return to the team (he’s currently on suspension as he decides whether he wants to come back), the team has the money to pay all three players, which many felt might be a tough task for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff. In fact, Puckpedia reports that Winnipeg now has just $116K of cap space remaining (although Byfuglien’s cap hit doesn’t count while he remains suspended). The team also would likely send a player down to when/if Byfuglien comes back, which would free up more cap space.
With the season soon to get underway and the preference to be with the team at the start of the regular season, many expected that Connor might sign this weekend. While Laine received all the press as the Jets had the misfortune of having two top restricted free agents, Connor slipped somewhat under the radar, but has been a key contributor to the team over the past two years. The 22-year-old jumped immediately onto the scene two seasons ago when he scored 31 goals and 57 points as a rookie (finishing fourth in the Calder Trophy voting). His numbers improved last year, scoring 34 goals and 66 points.
The long-term deal gives both parties some long-term security, especially needed after Laine only agreed to a two-year deal, leaving many to wonder what might happen in that time. Winnipeg already lost Jacob Trouba, who refused to sign a long-term deal with the Jets and eventually forced a trade to the New York Rangers this summer. The team hopes that Connor can continue to prove and become the playmaking puck mover that they had envisioned.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun was the first to report the deal.
Good now let’s get back to normalcy signings are done on RFA’s , so now back to talking hockey, and starting the new season, I’d give him $ 8 million they have the space with Laine deal resolved so let’s just play hockey here’s your money go out there and produce, now Jets are coming together except for news on Byfuglien, and maybe pick up descent Defenseman off waivers that can help team on backend, so hopefully can get into playoffs
They will finish out of playoffs.
@Josip – he’s got a hard enough time proofreading what he writes before he hits the “submit” button. That’s why it usually takes 3x the time for us to read as anybody else’s columns. Can you say “discombobulation”?
And more than a few people agree with that sentiment. Not a good year to have roster upheaval in the Central division. They just have to hope to finish ahead of Minnesota.
This was meant to be in response/agreement with @goalieguy41’s post.
no one cares
Technology speaking Josip, AAV is 7,142,857.1428571
Remember, they round down in Canada.
@dugdog83 — They’re rotund in Canada?
At least Winnipeg will get higher pick in next years draft, thou I think they may beat out Minnesota by a few points. They might get a good Defenseman. alright am wrong they want make the playoffs. Go Black Hawks !!!!!
C’mon, Gerald! Make up your mind! ;)
Hey Mac , after second thought I decided they don’t have a chance , I see that after looking at Defense is not up to par , Niku hurt, Byfuglien not sure he wants to play , lot of inexperience , thou offense is strong, provided they eventually move Little to 3rd line. I don’t think they can compete few teams got stronger in West. think the heat down hear is affecting my mind no relief for a while.
So, are you saying Paul Maurice’s expression could get even more sour this season. It’s already perpetually dark, cold, and with crappy Wi-Fi, how could the ‘Peg get any worse?