NHL News: Patrick Kane's Red Wings reportedly eyeing return of homegrown star amid quiet offseason

The Detroit Red Wings acknowledge they’ve entered desperate times. Patrick Kane and the rest of the squad need to right their wrongs from NHL seasons past. However, Steve Yzerman and the front office have done them no favors. After a dry offseason, reports hint the organization might now be fixed on a Michigan-native star.

Winnipeg Jets star Kyle Connor was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2015 NHL entry Draft and has never called any other franchise home. He never looked back, either. Winnipeg took him in, and he’s been comfortable in Manitoba since. However, that might change.

Connor is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after the 2025-26 NHL season. The left-winger’s seven-year, $50 million extension will be due next summer. The Jets have no reason to let him walk, but that isn’t stopping Kane’s Red Wings from showing interest. That is, if Kane is still in Motor City next season.

According to reports around the NHL, Connor and the Jets haven’t discussed the future, but things seem to be on track. Regardless, if matters were to turn south, Detroit is expected to make a bid for the 28-year-old born in Shelby Township, Michigan. It could be a great chance to revisit his days at the University of Michigan.

Kyle Connor #81 of the Winnipeg Jets in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on December 17, 2024 in San Jose, California.

“Not any reason to panic, but a lot of people have been wondering if Kyle Connor does decide to go to market next summer, would the Detroit Red Wings be a fit for Kyle Connor? You could see the Michigan product going back,” Frank Seravalli said, via Insider Notebook. “I could certainly see that and he would seem to make a ton of sense for a Detroit Red Wings team that could use additional scoring punch.”

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Don’t turn off the Jets, yet

While the lack of postseason success over his time in Winnipeg might be deflating for Connor, all signs indicate he enjoys playing at Canada Life Centre. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be any alarms sounding nor indicators of caution going forward. Still, in the NHL anything can happen.

“Don’t count out the Jets,” Seravalli added. “They’ve had a good thing going. Obviously a tough playoff exit, but then leaving a lot to be desired, but Connor’s got to be part of that solution.“

It’s still early to tell, but if things keep their course the Jets better hope they are in a good place come March and the NHL trade deadline. If not, Connor’s days in The Peg might be numbered, and Kane’s Red Wings will most probably be among the frontrunners.