No knee-jerk comments from Connor about dangerous collision

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This article was published 16/01/2024 (630 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If Kyle Connor has an issue with the knee-on-knee collision with Ryan Strome that sidelined him for 16 games, the Winnipeg Jets sniper is keeping it to himself.

On the heels of returning to the lineup for the Jets on Tuesday night against the New York Islanders, Connor made it clear he’s already moved on and saw no benefit from discussing the hit that caused the first significant injury of his professional career.

“Looking forward, I don’t need to discuss anything about the play,” Connor said after the morning skate.

His response was also brief when he was asked whether or not the Anaheim Ducks centre contacted him about the play in question,

“Yeah, he did (reach out). He texted me right after the game,” said Connor. “Nothing but nice words, so obviously (I) appreciate the text.”

Given Connor’s steely focus, you can bet the left-winger spent more time during the past five weeks and two days thinking about his recovery, rather than lamenting what the dangerous — even if accidental — collision did to derail what could have been the first 50-goal campaign of his career.

As for returning prior to the original timeline of six to eight weeks, he made it clear that was simply an estimate. Nothing was ever set in stone.

“It was never in my mind about the timeline, it was just all based on how I felt. Obviously, those are just kind of suggestions, but first kind of look at what it is,” said Connor. “Every day, you continue to get better and, obviously, it’s a testament to the staff here and what they’ve been able to do. So, I feel great and there’s no discomfort or pain.

“I’ve been skating now for a while, obviously, that is something that I was adamant about, getting on the ice earlier than maybe usual, but that’s just a function of what we do. We skate. Any chance I could be on the ice, whether that’s just touching pucks, I just wanted to get out there as early as I could.”

Connor was quick to admit there were some challenges in dealing with the first long-term injury he’s endured in quite some time, though he handled those well.

“I kind of looked at it as a challenge, a learning experience… I learned a lot about the MCL and the knee, and recovery, exercise rehabbing, and stuff to help enhance everything around it.”– Kyle Connor.

“I kind of looked at it as a challenge, a learning experience… I learned a lot about the MCL and the knee, and recovery, exercise rehabbing, and stuff to help enhance everything around it,” said Connor. “Obviously, patience is a key when you are in a situation like this. We are all competitive athletes and want to be on the ice every chance you get, but at times you need to know when to kind of hold back and not push it on days as well.”

Connor bounced some ideas off linemate Gabriel Vilardi since he dealt with a similar injury earlier in the season, especially when it came to the brace he chose to wear.

“Yeah, a little bit. I’ve also learned that Gabe is very meticulous about what he likes, as far as braces-wise,” said Connor. “We talked about the brace. But it is an adjustment to get used to, but you do. He went through maybe three or four just for comfort. I was just trying to pepper him as much as I can with questions that can help me out in my situation. He was helpful in the rehab and a lot of different things.

“Obviously, he came back really strong and looks like a better player than he was when he first came and started here, so that’s obviously the goal for myself.”

Connor has been skating well during the past couple of weeks and he recognizes that he will be dealing with some pain and swelling for the next little while.

That should not prevent him from getting his sights — and skating legs — locked back in.

“When you’re moving your feet — speaking for my game and myself — I see everything else way better. The shots will come, the chances will come,” said Connor. “It’s about getting those first couple of strides and reading the play as well. Making a bunch of hockey reads. I’m confident it will transition easily.”

Jets captain Adam Lowry tipped his cap to Connor for how he’s handled the recovery process, which can be daunting.

“I think the way he’s looked on the ice the last few weeks skating, the way he pushes himself in the gym, it’s not surprising he’s where he’s at.”– Jets captain Adam Lowry

“I think that’s a testament to how hard he works,” said Lowry. “The body heals at different rates. You can’t really dictate how long those recoveries are. But I think the way he’s looked on the ice the last few weeks skating, the way he pushes himself in the gym, it’s not surprising he’s where he’s at.”

Connor is impressed with how the Jets have been playing of late and is confident he can get back up to speed quickly.

“I love watching every single game of these guys. It’s a lot of selfless — that’s the word that comes to mind — (attitudes), just being great teammates and playing for each other,” said Connor. “Every night it’s someone new stepping up. It’s incredible to see. It’s a team game and the type of defensive commitment that every single one in here has shown is awesome. Obviously, you look to join that and try to help out as much as you can.”

That Connor was still leading the Jets in goals with 17 despite missing the previous 16 games is a tribute to his red-hot start.

With 28 points in 26 games heading into Tuesday’s contest against the Islanders, Connor still sat fifth in team scoring as well.

“He’s one of the best goal scorers in the league. He gives you that offensive boost,” said Lowry. “He’s so dynamic with the puck, he’s so dynamic off the rush in the zone. In these tight-checking games, he’s a game-breaker.

“He’s such an integral part of our team. I know we’ve played well without him, but getting a player like him, a perennial All Star back in the lineup, is huge.”

In order to make room for Connor to be activated from injured reserve, Jets centre Mark Scheifele was placed on IR, retroactive to Jan. 12, so he would be eligible to return for Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

Jets head coach Rick Bowness said he was hopeful Scheifele would be able to play on Saturday, though in the shorter term, he was thrilled to have Connor back in the lineup on Tuesday.

“We’ve missed him. Listen, he’s an elite player, elite goal scorer. So, he just gives us, obviously, another weapon,” said Bowness. “He’s incredibly important to the success of this team moving forward. So, the sooner we get him back the better. But again we wouldn’t rush him. If he tells us he’s good to go and the doctors tell us he’s good to go, then he’s good to go.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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