The Winnipeg Free Press would like to show you notifications for breaking news and noteworthy local journalism.
No Thanks
Allow
Notification Settings
This browser doesn't support push notifications at the moment. Check browsers features, update your browser or try to use one from the list of recommended to manage your notifications settings:
Firefox (27+)
Google Chrome (30+)
Safari ( MacOS 13+ with browser 16.1+ and iOS 16.4+ ) / Note make sure Push API support enabled under Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features
Microsoft Edge
If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings for this site. Just click button below and allow notifications for this site
Note Safari 16.4+ working on iOS devices also need this site app to be installed at device's Home Screen for Push Notifications to work
Notifications are blocked for this site. If you wish to manage your notification settings from this browser you will need to update your browser's settings. Usually you'd need to click on site options icon to the left of address bar and change notifications preferences/permissions from there
*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
One of the Winnipeg Jets' brightest prospects has decided to turn pro.
Connor, selected in the first round (17th overall) by the Jets last year, is coming off a spectacular first season with the Wolverines in which he racked up 71 points (35 goals, 36 assists) in 38 games, earning him Big Ten Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honours.
He was one of three finalists for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, but lost to Harvard senior Jimmy Vesey.
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
The Warm-Up
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
People who have seen Connor play regularly say his gifts are considerable.
Al Randall, the radio voice of the Wolverines and a veteran hockey broadcaster, said in an earlier email to the Free Press: "Kyle is one of the Top 10 most gifted scorers I’ve seen in 40 years calling games, 21 of those for Michigan. He also is great at finding open areas of ice for his quick release. He skates well."
Jason Rubinstein, who covers the Wolverines for the Michigan Daily, said: "I wouldn’t say he’s NHL-ready, but he’s at a level where he could be the best player in college hockey. But if he gains a little more weight, absolutely he’ll be able to contribute at the NHL level next season."
ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca
Twitter: WFPEdTait
Kyle Connor entered his first year at Michigan with a trophy case already bursting after being named a USHL First Team All-Star in 2014 and 2015 and being voted the league’s Player of the Year in ’15.
Here’s a list of his hardware haul this season:
– HCA Rookie of the Month in December, 2015 and January, 2016;
– All-Big Ten First Team, 2016
– All-Big Ten Freshman Team, 2016
– Big Ten Freshman of the Year, 2016
– Big Ten Player of the Year, 2016
– Big Ten Scoring champion, 2016
– Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player, 2016
– Big Ten All-Tournament Team, 2016
GP: 38; Goals: 35; Assists: 36.
– Those totals had him leading the nation
– Connor’s 35 goals were the most by a Michigan player since Jason Botterill had 37 in 1996-97 and the most in college hockey since Johnny Gaudreau had 36 goals for Boston College in 2013-14. He is the first freshman in college hockey to record 30 goals since Thomas Vanek (Minnesota) in 2002-03.
– Connor’s 71 points match the numbers from Jack Eichel (now with the Buffalo Sabres) last year and tied for second highest total by a freshman since Paul Kariya, who had 100 points (25 goals, 75 assists in 39 games) in 1992-93.
