The Winnipeg Jets have secured a long-term commitment from star left-winger Kyle Connor, announcing an eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $12 million. The deal, which totals $96 million, ensures that Connor will remain in Winnipeg through the 2033-34 season. This is the richest contract in the history of the Jets franchise.
Connor, 28, was entering the final year of his previous contract, and both sides were motivated to finalize an agreement before it became a distraction. The official announcement came on the second day of the season, prior to the Jets' season opener.
In the 2024-25 season, Connor achieved career highs, leading the Jets with 97 points and 56 assists while playing in all 82 games. He ranked among the NHL's top ten in both points (7th) and goals (tied for 7th with 41) and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team. Connor also spearheaded the Jets' playoff performance, contributing a team-high 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) in 13 games.
"Kyle is a foundational player for our franchise," the team stated in a press release. "His consistency, professionalism, and production speak for themselves".
Drafted 17th overall by the Jets in 2015, Connor has become a consistent offensive force. Since the 2017-18 season, he has scored at least 30 goals in seven seasons and surpassed 60 points six times. Throughout his 613-game NHL career, all with Winnipeg, Connor has amassed 582 points (284 goals, 298 assists) and added 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) in 58 playoff games. In 2022, he was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, recognizing his sportsmanship and high standard of playing ability.
Internationally, Connor has represented the United States, most recently at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off where he recorded one assist in three games.
With this contract extension, Connor becomes the highest-paid player on the Jets and solidifies his role as a 핵심 player in the team's ongoing pursuit of becoming one of the NHL's elite teams. The breakdown of the contract includes $55 million in salary and $41 million in bonuses. Most of the other long-term contracts for the Jets end in the 2029-30 season.
