Kyle Connor's future with the Winnipeg Jets is a hot topic as he approaches the final year of his current contract. With free agency looming in 2026, the Jets face the crucial decision of extending his contract or potentially trading him. A significant factor influencing Connor's next deal is the contract negotiation of another prominent winger, Adrian Kempe of the Los Angeles Kings.
As the NHL offseason progresses, Adrian Kempe's potential contract extension with the Kings is drawing attention, with reports suggesting he might be seeking as much as $10 million per season. This negotiation is particularly relevant to the Jets, as it could set a benchmark for Connor's next contract. NHL analysts have noted that Connor's camp will be closely monitoring Kempe's deal, as it will likely influence their demands.
Mike Rupp, an NHL analyst, believes that Connor's next contract will mirror that of Kempe. Both players are nearing the end of their contracts and will be eligible for free agency in 2026. Kempe's contract could establish a baseline for similar players, and while he may not be in the same category as Connor McDavid in terms of resetting the market, his contract will set a new standard that will affect others in his range, most notably Kyle Connor.
Connor, coming off a 97-point season, has a stronger performance record than Kempe. If Kempe secures a contract in the $9-10 million range, it would strengthen Connor's argument for an even higher number. The Jets are closely monitoring the situation as they consider the cost of retaining their star winger long-term. Stu Grimson emphasized that Kempe's contract could serve as a key comparison point during Connor's negotiations. Even if Kempe's contract falls just under $10 million, it would provide Connor's camp with leverage to push for a significant increase in average annual value (AAV), given his superior performance.
The Winnipeg Jets have a projected cap space of $10,548,810 for the 2025-26 season. Several factors could impact the Jets' ability to re-sign Connor, including other player contracts and the overall salary cap situation. The Jets recently signed forward Gabriel Vilardi to a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.5 million. Other recent signings include Parker Ford to a two-year, two-way contract and Morgan Barron to a two-year contract extension.
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which was ratified and runs through the 2029-30 season, could also have implications for Connor's contract. While the agreement is not expected to change the current CBA terms for the upcoming 2025–26 season, some of the changes that will be implemented in the following seasons could impact how teams manage their salary cap.
As Kyle Connor approaches unrestricted free agency, the Jets must decide whether to extend his contract or explore trade options. If Connor is unwilling to re-sign with the Jets, trading him would allow the team to acquire valuable assets in return. Several teams would likely be interested in acquiring a player of Connor's caliber, potentially leading to a significant return for the Jets.
Ultimately, the outcome of Adrian Kempe's contract negotiation will play a crucial role in determining Kyle Connor's future with the Winnipeg Jets. If Kempe secures a high-value contract, it could drive up Connor's price, making it more challenging for the Jets to retain him. The Jets will need to carefully manage their cap space and consider all available options to ensure they make the best decision for the team's long-term success.
