Latest news with #KyleConnor
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Kyle Connor likely to re-sign as Winnipeg Jets pursue long-term contract extension amid NHL free agency buzz
Photo by Chris Unger /Getty Images Kyle Connor's future in Winnipeg appears to be on solid ground. Despite earlier speculation that the Winnipeg Jets star forward could test free agency in 2026, recent reports suggest there's mutual interest in working out a contract extension. With no signs of tension between player and club, insiders now believe a long-term deal is a top priority for the organization this offseason. Connor expected to stay as Winnipeg Jets aim to secure long-term contract extension with star forward NHL insider David Pagnotta recently revealed that there are 'no issues' between Kyle Connor and the Winnipeg Jets when it comes to negotiating a new deal. His comments, made during an appearance on Melnick in the Afternoon on July 21, directly counter previous rumors that Connor might consider exploring free agency. Instead, Pagnotta emphasized that the forward is open to re-signing and that this isn't a contentious situation. This is welcome news for Jets fans, especially after watching winger Nikolaj Ehlers leave in free agency. Ehlers was believed to be headed out well before the season ended and ultimately signed a six-year, $51 million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. In Connor's case, Winnipeg appears determined not to let history repeat itself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo Gabriel Vilardi extension complete as Winnipeg Jets face arbitration battle with defenseman Dylan Samberg Locking in Connor is just part of a larger roster strategy. The Jets recently finalized a six-year, $45 million extension with Gabriel Vilardi, creating space to focus their efforts on Connor's future. With the salary cap set to rise, Connor, one of the Jets' most consistent offensive producers is expected to command a significant raise. Meanwhile, Winnipeg is also managing another contract situation with defenseman Dylan Samberg, who has filed for arbitration. The team reportedly offered $2.5 million, while Samberg is seeking $6 million. A compromise around $4–$4.25 million is considered likely. While nothing is official yet, the outlook for Kyle Connor staying in Winnipeg is encouraging. The Jets seem committed to locking down their core players, and Connor's willingness to remain only strengthens that plan. With the Vilardi extension complete and arbitration talks ongoing with Samberg, Winnipeg's front office appears focused and proactive as they build for the future. FAQs: 1. How old is Kyle Connor? Kyle Connor is 28 years old. 2. How tall is Kyle Connor? He is listed at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall. Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs struggling to trade veteran forward Calle Jarnkrok amid salary cap crunch Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kyle Connor's Impending Payday Set To Challenge Jets' Financial Philosophy
The Winnipeg Jets have done a terrific job of building a core that has happily accepted less money than they could get on the open market. Whether it's superstar goalie Connor Hellebuyck, star center Mark Scheifele or star defenseman Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg's top players have chosen to stay in Winnipeg for considerably less money than other teams would've gladly paid them. However, there's a situation on the horizon that could upset the apple cart when it comes to the Jets' financial food chain. And it all has to do with star left winger Kyle Connor. For the past six seasons, the 28-year-old Connor has earned $7.14 million. And in return for that money, Connor has thrived on offense. In five of the NHL's last five full seasons, Connor has never produced fewer than 31 goals. And this past season, Connor posted 41 goals and set new career-highs in assists (56) and points (97). You really couldn't ask for more from Connor, who was named to the NHL's First All-Star Team for his efforts. But here's the issue: Connor will be a UFA at the end of the coming season, and if he does get to the open market, teams will be lining up to pay him at least $10-million per season, if not much more than that. And if Winnipeg intends on keeping Connor for the long haul, they're going to have to make Connor the big dog in terms of the salary structure for the Jets. Right now, no Jets player makes more than the $8.5 million Scheifele and Hellebuyck make. Even a top talent like Morrissey only makes $6.25-million per season, while veteran D-man Neal Pionk earns $7-million per year. And young winger Gabe Vilardi just signed an extension that will pay him an average annual amount of $7.5 million. So, with the salary cap rising to $95.5 million next season, do the Jets really want to play with fire and try to shortchange Connor on his next contract? Even limiting Connor to $8.5-million per year on an eight-year extension would represent a huge discount Connor would be giving to Winnipeg. Connor is in his prime, and he has a degree of leverage right now that he may never have again. Why would he accept a hometown discount of sorts when he and his agent are fully aware he could be earning at least $1-$2-million more per year? The answer is clear: he's not going to accept a hometown discount. Indeed, spread out over an eight-year deal, Connor would be leaving $16 million or more on the table to stay in Winnipeg by taking an $8.5-million AAV deal. We can understand why Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff would try his best to keep Connor's pay raise to a minimum, but he'd be running the risk of alienating a cornerstone player at a time when he could easily accommodate a $10-million-per-season payday for a star forward who can't be replaced in free agency or through trades. On the other hand, Cheveldayoff doesn't want to insult Scheifele, Hellebuyck and Morrissey by backing up the money truck for Connor when Cheveldayoff didn't do the same for those veterans. It's all an extremely delicate balance for Jets management, and it could wind up reshaping the Jets' roster. Only six NHL players had more goals than Connor had this past year, and only six players in the league had more points last season than Connor had. He's been a consistent menace with the puck and a savvy playmaker, and he deserves to have a significant raise. If Cheveldayoff can convince Connor to take, say, $9-$9.5 million on an extension, it will be a clear victory for the Jets, and it won't cause much, if any, friction with Winnipeg's other top stars. But there's no guarantee Connor will accept such a deal. In any case, Connor's next payday will likely reset the financial bar for Jets players. At a time when the business of the league is thriving, Connor should reap the benefits of it. And if and when Connor agrees to a new deal, Winnipeg's salary structure almost certainly is going to be significantly altered as a new financial era begins for the organization. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Pedal power for Parkinson's awareness
Tim Hague vividly remembers the day his doctor delivered the life-changing news: he had Parkinson's disease. 'He said, 'You can plan on 10 to 15 good years,' the 60-year-old Winnipegger recalled in an interview with the Free Press on Wednesday. 'Well, I'm 14 years and five months into this thing, and I don't feel like I'm at the end of my good years yet. And I attribute that to exercise.' Hague, a retired nurse, has built an impressive physical regimen — one that once helped him and his son, Tim Jr., win the inaugural season of The Amazing Race Canada in 2013. Staying fit has also become the cornerstone of his fundraising efforts for U-Turn Parkinson's, the Winnipeg-based wellness centre he founded to help others living with the disease. 'It is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world,' said Hague. 'There's over 11 million people now with it worldwide — including more than 7,000 in Manitoba — and that's expected to double by 2040.' Hague really put his plans in motion last summer with the first-ever Team 81 Ride for Parkinson's, which teamed up with Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor. Unfortunately, the two men share a common bond — Connor's late grandfather and father both had the disease. 'You sometimes think people who are of a certain stature — and he's a big stature — don't have time for this sort of thing. But he's been 100 per cent present,' said Hague. 'He is engaged with Parkinson's, and it's very clear. Because this is close to his heart, and he wants to make a lasting impression.' The inaugural ride featured 24 cyclists, 13 of whom completed a gruelling five-day, 550-kilometre trek from Russell to Falcon Lake. Ten of those riders are living with Parkinson's. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES The second annual Team 81 Ride For Parkinson's at Assiniboine Park will be held on Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's jersey number. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES The second annual Team 81 Ride For Parkinson's at Assiniboine Park will be held on Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's jersey number. 'To see their determination, their smiles of accomplishment at the end of every day, to know their needs firsthand — we were stopping so they could take their medication and rest to ensure they were physically capable — it was incredible to witness and be a part of,' said Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of True North Sports & Entertainment. Donnelly has a personal connection to the cause. He's known Hague for years, and the two are about to become family — Hague's daughter, Jordana, is marrying Donnelly's son, Chris, in September. He also played a key role in getting Connor involved after the death of Connor's father, Joe, in 2021, 'Kyle came to Mark (Chipman, co-owner of the Jets) and said, 'I'm ready to reach out, how do I get connected, what's the right organization?'' said Donnelly. 'And this really began to accelerate fast.' Last year's debut event raised more than $141,000 for U-Turn Parkinson's, which uses exercise and wellness programs to support those living with the disease. 'It was absolutely fantastic,' Hague said. And, admittedly, a bit too ambitious. In response, organizers have scaled things back this year, with the goal of making an even bigger impact. Next Friday, Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Connor's jersey number — has been officially designated Ride for Parkinson's Day in Manitoba. The second annual Team 81 Ride for Parkinson's will feature a single-day, 50-kilometre route beginning and ending at Assiniboine Park. 'A more manageable ride,' said Hague. Participants will be welcomed at the finish line with a family-friendly celebration, including a bike parade, decorating station, DJ, face painting, mascots and more. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is sponsoring the bike parade, which aims to 'turn heads and show powerful support for those living with Parkinson's.' Canadian Tire is sponsoring the ride. Hague emphasized that people of all ages and abilities are welcome — even those who don't want to hop on a bike. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often beginning gradually before worsening over time. It impairs co-ordination, balance and strength, and is the world's leading cause of permanent disability. Frank Franklin II / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's late grandfather and father both had Parkinson's disease. Frank Franklin II / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's late grandfather and father both had Parkinson's disease. Connor issued a statement encouraging the public to consider sponsoring a rider or making a donation of '$81, $810, $8,100 or any other amount you can donate.' 'Every dollar helps,' said Connor. 'Currently, there is no cure, however exercise has been proven to slow the progression of the disease and an event like the Team 81 Ride For Parkinson's can bring awareness to the benefits of exercise.' All proceeds go towards U-Turn Parkinson's, which had been operating out of a church basement but recently moved into Southdale Community Centre. Hague's hope is to one day find a permanent facility of their own. 'We're moving along,' he said. 'We're not even quite a month in, but it's a brand new addition to the community centre and it's absolutely beautiful. It's way more space for us, a way more welcoming space and more suited to what we do.' For more information about the organization and/or the event, visit call 204-510-4869, or email info@ 'There's nobody else in Manitoba that's doing Parkinson's-focused therapy,' said Donnelly. 'When you think about other ailments like heart and stroke and cancer and all these things that are so deserving, there is such a huge infrastructure that exists that isn't there for Parkinson's-afflicted people. So there's a real catch-up that has to happen with this diagnosis and with this community.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Winnipeg Jets face crucial contract decision on Kyle Connor ahead of free agency
Photo Via Getty Images With one year left on his current deal, Kyle Connor's future with the Winnipeg Jets is coming into sharp focus. The high-scoring winger is expected to command a significant raise, and the Jets have a big decision to make. With over $10 million in cap space and key contracts expiring soon, Winnipeg must decide how far it's willing to go to keep one of its most consistent offensive weapons. Kyle Connor's next contract could exceed $12 million AAV as Winnipeg Jets weigh future Kyle Connor, who turns 29 in December, is entering the final year of his contract with a cap hit of just over $7.1 million. NHL insider Frank Seravalli estimates Connor's next deal could range between $11 million and $12 million AAV, making him one of the highest-paid wingers in the league. For Winnipeg, this is a defining moment, one that could shape the team's future for years. Connor is coming off a career-high 41-goal, 97-point season, further solidifying his status as a top-tier forward. Since his full-time NHL debut in 2017–18, he's been nearly automatic for 30+ goals and 30+ assists. Losing him would be a major blow to Winnipeg's scoring depth and playoff hopes. The Jets have managed their salary cap efficiently, with over $10.5 million in space and contracts like Gustav Nyquist ($3.25M) and Luke Schenn ($2.75M) set to expire after this season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo That flexibility could go toward securing Connor's services long-term, if he's willing and if the Jets are ready to commit big money. Winnipeg Jets also navigating key contract challenges with Cole Perfetti and cap space While Connor is the priority, Winnipeg must also address the future of restricted free agent Cole Perfetti, who is expected to land a bridge deal. Balancing both contracts without compromising the roster will be tricky, especially if Connor demands north of $12 million annually. The challenge is further compounded by the Jets' history, like many Canadian teams, particularly in the west, they've struggled to retain marquee American players. Connor fits that mold, which makes this negotiation even more delicate. The Winnipeg Jets are at a crossroads. Kyle Connor is in his prime and remains a critical part of their offensive core. Whether the team is willing to meet his projected asking price will determine not just his future, but the trajectory of the franchise itself. FAQs 1. When was Kyle Connor drafted into the NHL? Kyle Connor was drafted 17th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2015 NHL Draft. 2. What position does Kyle Connor play? Kyle Connor plays as a left winger for the Winnipeg Jets. Also Read: NHL trade rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs exploring trades involving Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, and Nazem Kadri For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
New York Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Winnipeg Jets sign Gabriel Vilardi to 6-year contract extension, avoid arbitration
The Winnipeg Jets signed Gabriel Vilardi to a six-year, $7.5 million contract extension on Friday, avoiding arbitration with the 25-year-old forward. It's solid work by Winnipeg: Vilardi scored 61 points in 71 games last season and plays an integral role on Winnipeg's top power-play unit. He's also the Jets' first-choice option on their top line, alongside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. Jets get a fantastic deal on Gabriel Vilardi, who has blossomed into a quality first line talent in Winnipeg. — dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) July 18, 2025 It's the second time in Vilardi's Jets career that he's filed for arbitration but avoided a hearing — he also filed in 2023 before signing a two-year, $3.4 million AAV contract. Injuries have limited him to 118 games over the course of two Jets seasons, but Vilardi has been highly productive, scoring 97 points in that time while building chemistry with Connor and Scheifele. He's not quite a play-driver at even strength, but Vilardi's quick stick knocks pucks down, helping extend offensive zone shifts. His biggest strength is his quick thinking and fast hands in tight spaces, most notably beside the net on the power play. Twenty-one of his 49 goals and 18 of his 48 assists have come with the man advantage. Advertisement Vilardi's signing leaves the Jets with approximately $10.5 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, with shutdown defenceman Dylan Samberg left to sign. The Jets' work acquiring and retaining prime-aged players is never done, but Vilardi's long-term extension makes good on a series of trades that started with Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic heading to Columbus for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a third-round pick. Laine and Roslovic's trade requests were followed by one from Dubois, which ultimately landed Vilardi, Alex Iafallo and Rasmus Kupari from Los Angeles. Vilardi's six-year contract extension gives Winnipeg the stability that Dubois, Laine and Roslovic never did, while adding to the narrative that players can and do sign long-term contracts in Winnipeg. Vilardi was two years away from unrestricted free agency, with Evolving-Hockey projecting a $7.5 million AAV on a four-year term, not six. The Jets did well to keep Vilardi, extending their window and ensuring talent on the roster beyond 30-plus core players such as Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Connor Hellebuyck and Adam Lowry.
