Reporting out of Winnipeg early in the offseason indicated the Jets would make an extension for top winger Kyle Connor their No. 1 priority as he hurtles toward unrestricted free agency in 2026. Talks could have started at any point before he became eligible to sign a new deal on July 1.
Yet six weeks into his eligibility period to sign an extension, there hasn’t been much reporting on the status of talks. That could change quickly as parties reconvene for training camp next month, but as of now, there hasn’t been anything beyond preliminary negotiations, independent insider Frank Seravalli told Bleacher Report earlier in the week.
The lack of negotiation stems from a lack of urgency from Connor’s camp as they “evaluate their options,” Seravalli said. It’s a sensible approach from the 28-year-old as he enters both the most pivotal in-season and offseason of his career for his earning potential.
In 613 games for the club, the 6’1″ lefty has 284 goals and 582 points. That puts him third and fourth in Jets/Thrashers franchise history, respectively, and 12th in the league in goals since he debuted in the 2016-17 season. That’s more than names like Brad Marchand, Artemi Panarin, and Steven Stamkos – all of whom have legitimate Hall-of-Fame cases – over the same period.
He’s been especially impactful coming out of the pandemic as he enters his prime. He scored 41 goals last season with a career-high 97 points to lead Winnipeg in scoring, averaging 20:24 of ice time per game and earning MVP votes for the first time. He’s now scored at or over that 41-goal pace in three of the last four seasons, notching 34 tallies in 65 games in 2023-24 for a 43-goal pace.
Needless to say, he’s a must-retain for a Jets team that relies heavily on its first line for offense, particularly after losing Nikolaj Ehlers to the Hurricanes in free agency this summer. Their depth scoring, headlined by a still-developing Cole Perfetti and a giant question mark in Jonathan Toews as he returns to the NHL, already leaves something to be desired entering the season as they look to remain atop the Central Division.
Keeping him in Winnipeg is especially important for a club that understandably struggles to position itself as a prime destination for external UFAs. While there’s still a potentially stacked 2026 class for the Jets to try to grab replacements from, landing any of the few names that actually reach the market isn’t a proven strategy general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff can rely on to replace Connor’s lost offense.
Connor’s extension projection from AFP Analytics at the beginning of the offseason checked in at eight years at $12MM per season, accounting for the projected salary cap jump to $104MM for 2026-27. If testing the market has a legitimate appeal to him, though, that offer might need to increase to the $13MM or $14MM range to dissuade him from considering other offers.
No one wants to play in Alberta or Manitoba. Like the Canes, they need to overpay and quick!
Other than Kotkaniemi, who have the Hurricanes overpaid exactly?
WPG can’t keep losing players like they have over the last few years. Connor’s production wouldn’t be that easy to replace, especially in The Peg.
Mac, agree Connor would be tough to replace but,…
I think Ehlers leaving is fresh on everyone’s mind. WPG has been able to convince Hellebuyck, Schiefele, Pionk, and Vilardi over last 2 years to stay North.
I feel Kyle Connor could definitely test the FA after the season. I think he wants to see how things play out this season but there is surely a possibility of him testing the market. Connor is also American so he may want to play in the states. I guess time will tell what will unfold.
Kyle Connor has two choices, Money, Or loyalty, And regardless of which one he chooses, Who can blame him.
Agree with you on that. However he probably is going to get the most money from Winnipeg. They can’t afford to lose him and nobody wants to sign there.
Connor is coming home next season
This article is the same doom and gloom nonsense that preceeds almost all big contracts in Winnipeg.
Last year it was Scheiffle and Hellebuck.
Both took $8.5 M to STAY in Winnipeg !!
Are you really trying to tell me that with multiple Vezina trophies and now a Hart trophy, Hellebuck couldn’t have gotten way more $$$ elsewhere ?
These guys are very close knit here and genuinely enjoy playing in Winnipeg. Best record in hockey past 2 seasons ,President’s trophy, multiple Jennings trophies…they have a strong desire to finish business and win the cup together.
Conner will re sign for alot less than what he can get elsewhere maybe $9M as will Morrissey next year. Playing hockey in Winnipeg is about passion and these guys are quietly very passionate.