Insider Projects Kyle Connor's Next Contract With Jets

Kyle Connor is heading into the final year of his contract and will be a UFA next summer. This is a huge priority for the Winnipeg Jets to get done within the year so that one of their elite players doesn't walk in free agency when they have built something special.

Money shouldn't be an issue for the Jets as they have plenty of cap room to spare right now and may not be able to drop big money on a free agent next summer. Frank Seravalli said "I would peg that next contract somewhere between $11 and $12 million AAV; obviously a huge priority for the Jets to get done."

Connor led the Jets in goals (41) and points (97) last season before scoring five goals and 17 points in 13 playoff games. He took his game to a new level at the right time because the Jets won the Presidents' Trophy and made it to the second round of the playoffs. While Connor Hellebuyck, Mark Scheifele, and more also had good seasons and contributed, Connor played a big part in the team's success.

Connor currently has a cap hit of $7.142 million AAV, so it will be a well deserved pay increase, making him the top paid player on the team by a fair bit. It is very important for Winnipeg to work hard on a new contract already so maybe one can be drawn up and signed ahead of the season. It might take that extra weight off of his mind and the Jets want Connor at the top of his game, even if it costs some more money per year.

For the first time last season, Connor received Hart Trophy votes. He also set a career high in points and finished with his second-most goals in a season. He is in his prime and signing him for another eight years would be the only way for the Jets to remain a top contender.