Winnipeg, MB – The Winnipeg Jets have secured their star winger, Kyle Connor, for the long term, announcing an eight-year contract extension worth $96 million. The deal, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $12 million, ensures Connor remains in Winnipeg through the 2033-34 season.
The extension marks the richest contract in Jets franchise history. It includes a full no-move clause and significant signing bonuses, a rarity in past Winnipeg negotiations. TSN's Darren Dreger reports the contract includes $55 million in salary and $41 million in signing bonuses over the eight years.
Connor, 28, was drafted 17th overall by the Jets in 2015. Since breaking into the NHL during the 2016-17 campaign, he has become one of the league's most consistent goal scorers. Over the course of his current deal, Connor has tallied 454 points in 435 games, ranking 13th in the NHL during that span. Last season, Connor registered a career-high 97 points, earning a First-Team All-Star nod. In 2021-22, he reached a career-high of 47 goals. Overall, Connor has recorded 284 goals and 298 assists for 582 points in 613 games throughout his NHL career.
The Jets are securing a key part of their core, as Connor joins Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and Josh Morrissey, who are all signed long-term. Hellebuyck and Scheifele signed matching seven-year, $59.5 million extensions prior to the 2023-24 season.
The signing signals a commitment to maintaining a competitive team in Winnipeg. With approximately $27 million in projected cap space next summer, the Jets are positioned to continue building around their core players.
Connor's new AAV of $12 million places him among the league's highest-paid wingers, tied with Mitch Marner of the Vegas Golden Knights and Mikko Rantanen. Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild recently signed an extension that will make him the NHL's highest-paid player at $17 million per year.
The Jets, who won the President's Trophy last season, are looking to build on their regular season success after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Connor's consistent scoring and offensive prowess will be crucial to their success.
Winnipeg opens their 2025-26 campaign at home on Thursday against the Dallas Stars.
