Jets’ star forward Kyle Connor has inked a lucrative eight-year contract extension worth $96 million with Winnipeg. The agreement, announced by the team on Wednesday, sets his average annual salary at $12 million. The new deal will come into effect next season as his current contract expires.
This contract marks the largest in the franchise’s history, surpassing the previous record set almost two years ago when forward Mark Scheifele and goalie Connor Hellebuyck signed identical seven-year deals valued at $8.5 million annually. Connor, 28, was the Jets’ first-round pick in the 2015 NHL draft and has established himself as a top scorer in the league.
Last season, Connor led the Jets with 97 points, comprising 41 goals and 56 assists, along with a defensive rating of plus-17. He also excelled in the playoffs, contributing significantly with 17 points, including 12 assists, in all 13 post-season games. His remarkable performance earned him a spot on the NHL first all-star team.
Since his NHL debut in the 2017-18 season, Connor has consistently scored over 30 goals in seven seasons and surpassed 60 points six times, amassing a total of 582 points in 613 career NHL games. Additionally, he was honored with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2022 for his exceptional sportsmanship and playing ability.
