After Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff signed Patrik Laine to a two-year bridge deal Friday, he said he had to "keep grinding" toward a deal with Kyle Connor, the team's other remaining unsigned restricted free agent.
Just one day later, his hard work paid off: The two sides agreed to a seven-year, $50M ($7.14M average annual value) contract Saturday. The new deal makes the 22-year-old forward the second-highest-paid player on the Jets' active roster. Dustin Byfuglien's salary cap hit is $7.6 million this season, but he is currently suspended by the team in anticipation of a decision on his playing future.
#NHLJets have agreed to terms with forward Kyle Connor on a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.14 million.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 29, 2019
DETAILS >> https://t.co/bRmvz1dViN pic.twitter.com/Az4Xo58ciA
Connor was drafted 17th overall in 2015 and debuted in the 2016-17 season. He played 20 games with the big-league club before he was sent to AHL Manitoba. Development in the minor leagues paid off; the Michigan native tallied 31 goals and 57 points the following year and finished fourth in Calder Memorial Trophy voting.
Last season, Connor set career highs in goals scored (34) and assists (32) to finish third on the Jets in total scoring.
The new contract keeps Connor firmly in Winnipeg until 2026, at which point he will again hit unrestricted free agency. The deal contains a no-trade clause in its' final two years. Laine, in comparison, will still be an RFA when his contract expires in two years — at which point he will attempt to maximize his value further. For now, though, the Jets have both young stars locked in and ready to play as the team seeks a third consecutive playoff appearance next April.
According to CapFriendly, the Jets now have about $7.71 million remaining in cap space. Should defenseman Byfuglien return to the team before the season's first game, they will re-introduce his contract and slide just under the cap's upper limit.