Winnipeg Jets fans have reason to be optimistic about the prospect of Kyle Connor remaining with the team for the long haul. Recent reports suggest that contract extension talks between the Jets and their star forward are progressing positively.
NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has indicated that there are "no issues" surrounding Connor's potential contract extension. This counters earlier speculation about player unrest within the organization and the possibility of Connor testing free agency in 2026. It appears Connor is receptive to re-signing with the Jets, signaling that negotiations are not expected to be contentious.
Connor is entering the final year of his current seven-year, $50 million contract. He is eligible to sign an extension with the Jets, and it is believed that General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is prioritizing securing him with a new deal this offseason.
The potential cost of retaining Connor has been a topic of discussion, with NHL insider Frank Seravalli estimating that his next contract could range between $11 million and $12 million annually. This would make him one of the highest-paid wingers in the league. While this is a significant increase from his current cap hit of just over $7.1 million, it reflects Connor's value as one of the NHL's top scorers.
Connor is coming off a career-best season, recording 41 goals and 97 points. Since his full-time NHL debut in 2017-18, he has consistently been a reliable offensive contributor, typically scoring 30 or more goals and assists per season. His performance in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he tallied 5 goals and 12 assists in 13 games, further solidified his importance to the team.
Losing Connor would be a major setback for the Jets' scoring depth and playoff aspirations. The team currently has over $10 million in cap space, and with contracts like Gustav Nyquist's and Luke Schenn's expiring after this season, they have the financial flexibility to offer Connor a competitive contract.
In addition to Connor, the Jets also need to address the contract situation of restricted free agent Cole Perfetti. While Perfetti is expected to sign a bridge deal, managing both contracts will require careful planning to avoid compromising the team's depth or cap health.
Retaining American stars in Canadian markets can be challenging due to factors such as tax burdens and lifestyle preferences. However, the positive progress in negotiations with Connor suggests that he is committed to staying in Winnipeg.
Locking up Connor to a long-term deal would send a message that the Jets are focused on contending and not rebuilding. This would be a significant step for a team that is looking to solidify its position in the Western Conference.
