NHL Insider Reveals Jets' Plans Regarding Kyle Connor's Contract Extension

After a good season, the Winnipeg Jets fell short during the playoffs with a second-round defeat. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will now turn his attention to constructing the 2025-26 roster.

Roster turnover lies ahead for the Jets with six unrestricted and four restricted free agents.

UFAs forward Nikolaj Ehlers, forward Brandon Tanev, and forward Mason Appleton are just a few of them, while forward Gabe Vilardi leads the RFAs and is due for a major increase.

With over $25.6 million in estimated cap space, Winnipeg can sign key players and perhaps add newcomers. Appleton and Tanev want to stay, and those conversations should be ongoing soon enough.

Ehlers is highly speculated to reach free agency, however, and that creates a massive gap on the roster.

Aside from matters of free agency, perhaps no other responsibility will be as crucial for Cheveldayoff as signing star winger Kyle Connor to a long-term extension.

The 28-year-old is entering the final year of a seven-year, $50 million contract and is able to sign an extension as of July 1. The Jets revealed they will make it a priority to sign Connor this summer, per Murat Ates.

Connor had a breakout year and recorded 41 goals and a career-high 97 points. It was his second year in a row with over 40 goals and 90 points. His next contract will be more than $10 million per year, the highest on the club starting in 2026-27.