[Signing] Jets sign Kyle Connor to extension (8 yrs, $12 mil AAV)

[sureLoss]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article...n-connor-deal/

The Winnipeg Jets are closing in on what’s believed to be an eight-year, $96-million extension ($12 million AAV) with unrestricted free-agent-to-be Kyle Connor, but what really stands out are the deeper details.

Not only is it the biggest contract in Jets history, but, according to multiple sources, it also includes multiple seasons of signing bonuses and a full no-move clause — steps the organization has never taken before.

The deal, negotiated between chairman Mark Chipman, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and Connor’s agent, Rich Evans of Wasserman Hockey, is another example of new NHL realities in an expanding cap world.

Connor, averaging 35 goals and 0.97 points per game over the last eight seasons, would have been hotly pursued if he hit the open market next July. Recognizing the rapidly changing landscape, the Jets changed organizational philosophy. In the past, they avoided signing bonuses after Year 1 of a contract, and would not give full no-move clauses.

Life is all about adapting, and the Jets chose to do so in order to keep their talented winger. It’s a big, big win for team, player and the Manitoba fanbase — who will be thrilled to hear that, for the second time this week, a Connor’s committed to a Canadian city.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1975920621415530879

[Macho0978]

This is another example of when you build a consistent winner, players will stay.

American staying in Winnipeg for 8 years on a deal that really isn't bad compared to Kaprizov's deal.

[Toonage]

Good on the Jets and good on their players for committing.

[BrownDrake]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

This is another example of when you build a consistent winner, players will stay.

American staying in Winnipeg for 8 years on a deal that really isn't bad compared to Kaprizov's deal.

That’s correct, also Connor is bigger, more durable, plays in a higher tax place and he isn’t 30% worse than Kaprizov!
I wonder if there is also some angst from players to take more than McDavid now?

[Vinny01]

Good for Winnipeg to keep their core together including 2 Americans in Helleybuck and Connor.

It really seems like Calgary has been the only Canadian team in recent memory that was unable to sign their star players once they reached UFA status. I think Gaudreau/Tkachuk were unique though and I do not anticipate the flames having the same challenges moving forward.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by BrownDrake

That’s correct, also Connor is bigger, more durable, plays in a higher tax place and he isn’t 30% worse than Kaprizov!
I wonder if there is also some angst from players to take more than McDavid now?

I doubt that is it as Draisaitl makes more than McDavid and plays on his team.

I do think NHL players are more loyal that other athletes in other sports and value winning with the team that drafted them and their teammates.

Rolling back the max term probably played a part in this. If he left Winnipeg, he would get 6 years.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Good for Winnipeg to keep their core together including 2 Americans in Helleybuck and Connor.

It really seems like Calgary has been the only Canadian team in recent memory that was unable to sign their star players once they reached UFA status. I think Gaudreau/Tkachuk were unique though and I do not anticipate the flames having the same challenges moving forward.

I still think Treliving offers the summer before is what screwed the Flames. Most of these players are signing a year early.

If teams lowed balled their players and tried to wait it out all season, they probably lose their players too.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

I still think Treliving offers the summer before is what screwed the Flames. Most of these players are signing a year early.

If teams lowed balled their players and tried to wait it out all season, they probably lose their players too.

If Treliving were to pay the stars, where would he find the money to overspend on veteran bottom 6 forwards and bottom pairing defensemen?

[Jiggy]

Good on Connor and the Jets. Always good to see players staying in the smaller markets.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Good for Winnipeg to keep their core together including 2 Americans in Helleybuck and Connor.

It really seems like Calgary has been the only Canadian team in recent memory that was unable to sign their star players once they reached UFA status. I think Gaudreau/Tkachuk were unique though and I do not anticipate the flames having the same challenges moving forward.

The pressure is on Ottawa with Brady getting closer and closer to UFA

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

The pressure is on Ottawa with Brady getting closer and closer to UFA

One area I think the Flames always missed with the RFA’s was term. Treliving never maxed it out on a RFA and Monahan getting 7 years was the closest. Ottawa got Stutzle, Sanderson, Norris (who became Cozens) to 8 year deals and even got Brady to go 7. Treliving loved the 6 year term. Gaudreau, Andersson, Lindholm, Hamilton, Hanifin, all took 6 year deals at RFA

[Two Fivenagame]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

I still think Treliving offers the summer before is what screwed the Flames. Most of these players are signing a year early.

If teams lowed balled their players and tried to wait it out all season, they probably lose their players too.

Agreed. Plus I still wonder if those star players looked around the locker room and the prospect pipeline and new the team wasn't going anywhere. Why not take a chance on another roster? I also think travel restrictions due to COVID had an impact. We've all seen how close the Tkachuks and Gaudreaus are. Imagine being trapped in Canada and not being able to see your family for months.

Anyway, glad to see Connor sign.

[Tbull8]

The better Connor commits long term to Western Canada

[White Out 403]

A truly fantastic day for the Jets, my hometown, and frankly, small markets across western Canada.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

The pressure is on Ottawa with Brady getting closer and closer to UFA

He's 3 years from UFA, so can't sign an extension for two more years.

What pressure?

[McG]

Is this an underpay?

Will there be the same breathless fawning over this player that we have been subjected to all week and for the next 1+2 seasons for another?

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Two Fivenagame

Agreed. Plus I still wonder if those star players looked around the locker room and the prospect pipeline and new the team wasn't going anywhere. Why not take a chance on another roster? I also think travel restrictions due to COVID had an impact. We've all seen how close the Tkachuks and Gaudreaus are. Imagine being trapped in Canada and not being able to see your family for months.

Anyway, glad to see Connor sign.

Agreed.

I think COVID played a huge part at that time.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Kaprizov's contract is starting to look more like an outlier and less like a market setter.

[Press Level]

~$12M is the going rate for Connors. Good job Winnipeg

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Press Level

~$12M is the going rate for Connors. Good job Winnipeg

Good news for Connor Ingram's next contract.