Jets’ Kyle Connor Reportedly Targeting $96 Million New Contract

“Contract talks between the Winnipeg Jets and sniper Kyle Connor are also ongoing and there was word once camp opened that some progress on a long-term deal has been made,” Pagnotta reported. “Clearly, there’s still work to be done, but it seems like there is a pathway to a big extension that could see him earn somewhere in the $11 million to $12 million, per year, range.”

Connor is coming off his most productive season, scoring 41 goals and recording 56 assists for a career-high 97 points.

AFP Analytics projects a contract similar to the one floated by Pagnotta for Connor, describing a deal worth nearly $96 million in total money with a yearly cap hit of $12 million per season.

Connor has topped 90 points twice in his career and has logged over 600 NHL games since the Jets drafted him with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft.

Connor emphasized his comfort with the organization at the start of camp on Thursday.

“Obviously, it’s a family here,” Connor said. “You feel that right from the beginning, even with opening remarks from (executive chairman and governor, Mark) Chipman, (general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff), coach (Scott Arniel). They’re all saying the same thing. It’s a family. We pride ourselves on the community, and it’s a close-knit group. You can feel that just in the relationships around the room.”

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed talks with Connor’s representatives before the start of camp, adding to the sense of optimism that both sides will reach an agreement.

“We’ve had great dialogue with (Connor’s) representatives, and we continue to have that,” Cheveldayoff said. “He’s obviously a big part.”