NHL News: Jets reportedly face similar contract drama to Connor McDavid-Oilers saga

Amid Connor McDavid‘s dramatic situation with the Edmonton Oilers, reports suggest a similar scenario might be brewing in Manitoba for the Winnipeg Jets. However, as in Edmonton, everything might work out in the end.

Kyle Connor can’t quite be compared with McDavid. Quite frankly, not many players in the NHL can. Still, the left-winger is a pivotal piece for the organization in Winnipeg. He’s definitely an asset the Jets have no interest losing next summer.

Coming off a career-high 97-point NHL season, Connor is now entering the final campaign of his seven-year, $50 million extension. Similarly to McDavid in Edmonton, he is set to play on a contract year. That is, of course, if he doesn’t put pen to paper on a new deal before the puck drops in October.

Don’t fix what isn’t broken

No team wants to see their best, established players head into a contract season without a new deal in place. The Jets are no exception. Thus, re-signing Connor is an urgent matter for the organization in The Peg. However, reports indicate talks have yet to take place between the two parties.

Kyle Connor #81 of the Winnipeg Jets warms up before the 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Game at T-Mobile Arena on February 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Here we sit, Kyle Connor: getting close to the start of training camp, not all that different than McDavid,” Frank Seravalli stated on Insider Notebook. “I don’t think they’ve had much by way of extension talks.

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“My understanding is that Connor’s camp is not in very much of a rush get something done and that they want to evaluate their options. I’m sure Jets fans don’t necessarily love the sound of that. Particularly after watching Nikolaj Ehlers walk out the door as a free agent.”

McDavid’s sweet spot

While the Oilers and McDavid have yet to formally engage in contract talks, the sentiment around the NHL is that it will all fall into place sooner rather than later. The fear of McDavid walking away next summer has mostly dissipated, or perhaps only morphed into a new one.

The question now is how long the Oilers will be able to retain their captain in Edmonton. On that note, Seravalli believes the forward’s camp might have found their sweet spot.

“[McDavid’s extension] could be anywhere from a two-year to an eight-year deal. I don’t think that they’ve ruled out eight,” Seravalli hinted. “Four years might be the sweet spot here.”