Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor is expected to miss some time as a result of a lower-body injury he sustained in the Jets’ 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Sunday night, but head coach Rick Bowness was unable to share an estimated timeline for Connor’s recovery when asked on Tuesday.
Connor, 27, was knocked out of Sunday’s game after being on the receiving end of a knee by Ducks forward Ryan Strome just 27 seconds into the second period. Strome was assessed a game misconduct but was not the subject of any supplemental discipline for the play.
The Jets are set to continue their California road swing this week with games against the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Connor will not play in either contest.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman echoed a report by the Winnipeg News‘ Mike McIntyre when he shared an estimate of six to eight weeks for Connor’s recovery on Tuesday, but Bowness was far less specific while holding court with the media in San Jose.
“Kyle is heading back to Winnipeg,” Bowness said. “He’ll be re-evaluated by our doctors tonight when he gets in and we’ll go from there. But as of now, obviously, he’s not playing tonight or tomorrow and we’ll know more tonight once our doctors have the chance to examine him themselves.”
When asked point-blank whether there is currently any timeline set for Connor’s recovery, Bowness simply responded: “Not until we hear from our doctors.”
Connor is a critical part of a Jets team that is currently third in the Central Division with a 16-8-2 record and 34 points this season. The Shelby Township, Michigan product leads the Jets with 17 goals and 28 points in 26 games.
Upon returning home from their California trip, the Jets will kick off a four-game homestand on December 16 when they play host to the Central Division-leading Colorado Avalanche.
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