While we've heard a lot about what other restricted free agents still without deals are asking of their teams, not much has been said up to this point about Winnipeg's Kyle Connor. However, TSN Insider Bob McKenzie has shared a few details on what he believes the 22-year-old, who is currently skipping the Jets training camp, is asking for.
McKenzie says Connor is seeking a "long-term" deal in the vicinity of five to six years. However, he would be willing to accept a four-year deal much like the one the San Jose Sharks gave to Timo Meier. Meier's contract has a $6 million AAV, but gives him $10 million in salary in the final year of the contract. A four-year deal would mean Connor remains a restricted free agent when the contract runs out, and if it pays $10 million in the final year, his qualifying offer for a new contract from the Jets could not be less than that.
Winnipeg currently has just over $23 million in cap space, which sounds great. But, one has to keep in mind that Dustin Byfuglien is currently under suspension while he contemplates his NHL future. Because of that, his $7.6 million salary is not currently included in Winnipeg's cap hit. Should Byfuglien choose to return to the NHL, his suspension is immediately lifted and the Jets are left with just over $15 million to not only sign Connor, but also Patrik Laine. Should Byfuglien not return, Winnipeg really needs to look at bolstering its blue line, which means spending more cash on defense.
McKenzie says the perception around the league seems to be that Connor and Winnipeg are closing in on a new deal. He says that perception is false, and Connor's agent says the two sides are not close at all.
Meanwhile, fellow TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun says teams are contacting agent Mike Liut regarding the status of fellow RFA Patrik Laine, who is currently in Switzerland while he negotiates new terms with Winnipeg. LeBrun says he's not sure whether that contact with Liut is regarding an offer sheet or to gauge the appetite for a trade, but the contact is there.
Source: TSN Insider Trading (comments start around the 1:20 mark)
