Jets net college phenom

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This article was published 12/04/2016 (3460 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The news came right in the middle of a day usually reserved for black arm bands and obituaries.

But in a season that has been filled with so much disappointment, Winnipeg Jets fans will take any ray of sunshine they can get these days. And when Kyle Connor, one of the organization’s brightest prospects, made his decision to leave the University of Michigan and turn pro official via his Twitter account Monday, the news had Jets Nation buzzing.

“Excited to sign my first NHL contract,” Connor tweeted, along with a photo of him signing his deal. “Looking forward to the next chapter of my hockey career.”

Selected in the first round (17th overall) by the Jets last year, Connor inked a three-year, two-way entry-level contract beginning in 2016-17 worth an average annual value of US$1.775 million. The 19-year-old native of Shelby Township, Mich., just completed his freshman season with the Wolverines where he amassed an NCAA-leading 71 points (35G, 36A) in 38 games en route to leading Michigan to a Big Ten championship. A Hobey Baker Award finalist, Connor was named Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and Big Ten All-Rookie Team.

Connor attended the Jets development camp last summer where he made a favourable first impression on Jets management, including coach Paul Maurice.

“He’s a guy that has some really explosive skills and his speed and his talent level,” said Maurice. “He had a good (development) camp last year. And he’ll get every opportunity, like everybody, to come in and show what he’s capable of doing along with a lot of other young players.”

Speculation has Connor being named to the American team at next month’s world championship, meaning his hockey season might not be over just yet. In any case, he’ll spend the summer working with the Wolverines’ strength and conditioning coach to add more bulk to his 6-1, 177-pound frame.

“It’s definitely exciting for me and my family. It’s exciting times,” Connor told TSN 1290 Monday. “I knew (turning pro) was always a possibility coming into the year. Once the season was over that’s when I really sat down and thought about that decision.

“It’s always a tough decision leaving school and your teammates there, but I think it’s time and I’m ready for this challenge.”

While so many already have him pencilled in for a Top-6 role with the Jets next season, the Jets made it clear that he’ll simply be included with the growing number of prospects and vets who will be challenging for work at training camp.

“That’s a goal, to make the big club at the beginning of the year,” said Connor. “I play with a lot of speed and skill out there and use my vision to create space.”

ed.tait@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @WFPEdTait