Kyle Connor Secures Huge 8-Year Extension With the Winnipeg Jets

NHL insider Darren Dreger revealed that he expects the Winnipeg Jets will officially announce the Kyle Connor extension, which is set at eight years and $12 million AAV.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli also reported on this matter, saying that a huge piece of business was done with this extension and referencing Dreger's report of the signing.

Seravalli revealed that it's the richest deal in franchise history, and not by a small amount, but by a whopping $37 million.

For context, 14 years ago, the entire Jets franchise was purchased in Atlanta for $110 million before they got relocated to Manitoba.

According to multiple sources, this deal also includes multiple seasons of signing bonuses and a full no-move clause, which are steps that 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, where salaries continue to skyrocket.

Connor averaged 35 goals and 0.97 points per game over the last eight seasons, and he would have been hotly pursued if he hit the open market next July.

Recognizing the rapidly changing landscape, the Jets changed organizational philosophy by adding signing bonuses in this deal.

In the past, they avoided including those bonuses after the first year of a contract and would not give any full no-move clauses.

This is a big win for the team, player, and the fans, who will be thrilled to hear that yet another big-name player has committed to a city once known as a place superstars didn't want to play in.