Kyle Connor
Kyle Connor (born December 9, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighing 183 pounds (83 kg), Connor is renowned for his elite scoring ability, quick release, and playmaking skills, having established himself as one of the league's top offensive talents since entering the NHL.[3][4] Born in Shelby Township, Michigan, Connor developed his game in youth hockey before joining the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he earned accolades including the USHL Player of the Year and Forward of the Year honors in 2015 after leading the league with 80 points.[5] He then played one season at the University of Michigan in 2015–16, leading the nation with 71 points (35 goals, 36 assists) as a freshman and winning the Big Ten Player of the Year, First All-Star Team, and Rookie of the Year awards.[6] Selected 17th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Connor signed a three-year entry-level contract and made his NHL debut in the 2016–17 season after a brief stint with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL).[7][8] In his NHL career, Connor has emerged as a consistent goal-scorer and point producer, reaching 30 goals in seven consecutive full seasons and amassing over 600 career points by 2025.[9] In his rookie 2017–18 season, he led all NHL rookies with 31 goals and 57 points.[1] Connor's pinnacle achievements include winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2022 for his sportsmanship and performance, with zero penalty minutes in 79 games, and being named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2025 after a career-high 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists) in the 2024–25 season.[10][11][12] Internationally, he has represented the United States, capturing gold at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championship and participating in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.[5][13] In October 2025, Connor signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension with the Jets, securing his long-term future with the franchise through the 2033–34 season.[14]Early years
Early life
Kyle Connor was born on December 9, 1996, in Shelby Township, Michigan.[1] He grew up in a supportive family environment as the son of Joe Connor, a dedicated hockey enthusiast and coach, and Kathy Connor.[15] Along with three siblings, Connor shared a household where hockey was a central passion, influenced heavily by his father's commitment to the sport.[15] During his early childhood, Connor participated in a variety of youth sports, including baseball, basketball, and football, which helped develop his athleticism and competitiveness before he focused primarily on hockey in his early teens.[15] His father played a pivotal role in nurturing his interest in hockey by constructing backyard rinks at their home, complete with lights for evening practices, allowing Connor and his brothers to skate extensively after school.[16] These setups provided an ideal environment for honing basic skills in a fun, familial setting. Connor's initial exposure to organized hockey came through local skating lessons, which he began at the age of four, where he quickly demonstrated natural aptitude on the ice.[15] Prior to joining the USHL, he played for the Belle Tire 16U AAA team. Community programs and nearby rinks in the Detroit area further immersed him in the sport from a young age, fostering his early development amid Michigan's strong hockey culture.[17] This foundation in local youth activities laid the groundwork for his transition to more structured teams.Junior career
Kyle Connor began his junior hockey career with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2012–13 season, recording 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 62 regular-season games.[5] In the 2013–14 season, Connor recorded 31 goals and 43 assists for 74 points in 56 regular-season games. His performance earned him a selection to the USHL First All-Star Team, and he contributed three points (all assists) in nine playoff games as the Phantoms advanced in the Clark Cup playoffs.[1][9] Connor's development accelerated in the 2014–15 season, where he led the USHL with 34 goals and 80 points (34 goals, 46 assists) in 56 games, breaking the league record for points by a U.S.-born player and setting new Phantoms single-season marks.[5] For his dominant offensive output, he was named the USHL Player of the Year, USHL Forward of the Year, and earned a second consecutive spot on the First All-Star Team; in the playoffs, he tallied four points (three goals, one assist) in four Clark Cup playoff games.[1][18][9] His exceptional junior production culminated in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, where the Winnipeg Jets selected Connor 17th overall in the first round.[1]Collegiate career
University of Michigan
Connor enrolled at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2015, joining the Wolverines men's ice hockey team as a freshman forward in the Big Ten Conference after a standout junior career with the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL.[6] He made his collegiate debut on October 9, 2015, against Michigan State, contributing to a 5–1 victory in the Big Ten opener.[19] During the 2015–16 season, Connor emerged as a dominant offensive force, recording 35 goals and 36 assists for 71 points in 38 games, a performance that led the NCAA in total scoring.[20] His scoring prowess included 10 power-play goals and a plus-34 rating, highlighting his role as a key contributor on the top line alongside teammates J.T. Compher and Tyler Motte. The Wolverines enjoyed a strong campaign under head coach Red Berenson, finishing second in the Big Ten regular-season standings with a 12–5–3–2 conference record and an overall mark of 22–7–5 entering the postseason.[21] In the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan secured the program's first conference title by defeating Penn State 7–2 in the semifinals and Minnesota 5–3 in the championship game on March 19, 2016, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.[19] Advancing as the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Regional, the team upset No. 3-seeded Notre Dame 3–2 in overtime during the semifinals on March 25 but fell 5–2 to top-seeded North Dakota in the regional final on March 26, ending their season with a 25–8–5 overall record.[22] Following the conclusion of Michigan's season, Connor opted to leave the university after just one year, signing a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL's Winnipeg Jets on April 11, 2016, to pursue a professional career.[23]Achievements at Michigan
During his freshman season with the University of Michigan Wolverines in 2015–16, Kyle Connor was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year, becoming the first player in conference history to win both awards in the same season.[24][25] He also earned a spot on the Big Ten First All-Star Team and the Big Ten All-Rookie Team, recognizing his standout performance among conference peers.[1] Connor's individual excellence extended nationally, as he was selected to the AHCA/CCM Division I Men's Ice Hockey First-Team All-American and named the recipient of the Tim Taylor Award as the AHCA National Rookie of the Year.[26][27] These honors highlighted his rapid impact, including leading all NCAA freshmen in goals with 35 and ranking first nationally in total points with 71 in 38 games.[28][29]Professional career
Entry into the NHL (2016–2019)
Following a standout freshman season at the University of Michigan, where he led the NCAA in goals with 35, Kyle Connor signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on April 11, 2016, valued at $5,325,000 with an annual average value of $925,000.[30][14] This deal marked his transition to professional hockey, building on his college success that showcased his elite scoring ability and prepared him for the pro level. Connor made his NHL debut with the Jets on October 13, 2016, against the Carolina Hurricanes, where he recorded an assist in a 4-1 loss.[1] After appearing in 13 games with limited production, he was assigned to the Jets' AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, on December 9, 2016. There, he quickly adapted, scoring his first professional hat trick on February 25, 2017, against the San Antonio Rampage, and finishing the season with 25 goals and 19 assists for 44 points in 52 games, leading the team in scoring.[31][32] Recalled to the NHL on February 25, 2017, Connor added 2 goals and 3 assists in 7 additional games, concluding his rookie professional campaign with 5 points in 20 NHL appearances overall.[32] In the 2017–18 season, Connor earned a permanent spot on the Jets' roster, emerging as a key offensive contributor with 31 goals and 26 assists for 57 points in 76 regular-season games, tying for third on the team in goals.[32] His breakout performance helped the Jets reach the playoffs for the first time in Connor's career, where they advanced to the Western Conference Final after defeating the Minnesota Wild in the first round; Connor contributed 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points in 17 postseason games.[32][1] Connor built on this momentum in the 2018–19 season, setting personal bests with 34 goals and 32 assists for 66 points in all 82 games, solidifying his role as a top-line winger.[32] A career milestone came on March 23, 2019, when he recorded his first NHL hat trick—all even-strength goals—in a 5–0 victory over the Nashville Predators.Rise to prominence (2019–2024)
Following a strong start to his NHL career, Kyle Connor solidified his status as a cornerstone player for the Winnipeg Jets by signing a seven-year contract extension worth $50 million on September 28, 2019, with an average annual value of $7.14 million. This deal, which began in the 2020–21 season, reflected the organization's confidence in his burgeoning offensive prowess after he tallied 73 points (38 goals, 35 assists) in 71 games during the 2019–20 season.[32] The extension came amid Connor's emergence as a reliable top-line winger, pairing effectively with centers like Mark Scheifele to drive the Jets' attack. Connor's ascent peaked in the 2021–22 season, where he set career highs with 47 goals, 46 assists, and 93 points in 79 games, leading the Jets in scoring and earning a berth in the NHL All-Star Game.[1] This performance marked him as one of the league's elite goal scorers, tying for fifth in the NHL in goals despite missing three games due to injury. Over the subsequent seasons, Connor demonstrated remarkable consistency in goal production, reaching 30 or more goals in each of the three seasons from 2021–22 to 2023–24 (47 in 2021–22, 31 in 2022–23, and 34 in 2023–24 despite appearing in only 65 games in the latter due to injury), while posting 26 goals in the COVID-shortened 56-game 2020–21 season—a pace exceeding 37 goals over a full schedule.[32] His scoring reliability underscored his evolution into a dynamic, high-volume shooter capable of thriving in various line combinations. In the playoffs, Connor contributed meaningfully during Winnipeg's 2021 postseason run to the second round, recording 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 8 games against the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. Later, in the 2023–24 playoffs, he added 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) in 5 games before the Jets' first-round exit to the Colorado Avalanche. Off the ice, Connor achieved a rare feat on November 22, 2024, recording the first Gordie Howe hat trick of his career—a goal, an assist, and a fight—against the Pittsburgh Penguins, helping secure a 4–1 victory.[33] The 2024–25 season further elevated Connor's profile, as he established new benchmarks with 41 goals and 97 points (41 goals, 56 assists) in 82 games, leading the Jets offensively once again and showcasing his sustained elite production.[32] This output highlighted his growth into a perennial 30-goal threat and a key driver of Winnipeg's competitive standing in the Central Division.Contract extension and current tenure (2024–present)
On October 8, 2025, Kyle Connor signed an eight-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Jets worth $96 million, carrying an average annual value of $12 million and keeping him with the team through the 2033–34 season.[34][35] This deal, the richest in franchise history, followed Connor's career-best 2024–25 season in which he recorded 97 points (41 goals and 56 assists) in 82 games, solidifying his status as a cornerstone player.[36] Entering the 2025–26 season, Connor has continued to deliver key contributions early on, including an overtime game-winning goal against the Minnesota Wild on October 29, 2025, just 46 seconds into the extra frame to secure a 4–3 victory.[37] He also featured prominently in the Jets' game against the Anaheim Ducks on November 9, 2025, contributing to the team's offensive efforts as they maintained a competitive standing in the Central Division.[38] These moments underscore his clutch scoring ability, with Connor already tallying multiple goals in the opening month of the campaign. Connor remains a central figure on the Jets' top line, centering alongside Mark Scheifele and often paired with versatile wingers to drive the team's attack.[39] His extension not only locks in a proven 40-goal scorer but also strengthens the Jets' core alongside players like Scheifele and Connor Hellebuyck, signaling a long-term commitment to contending for the Stanley Cup by retaining homegrown talent and enhancing roster stability.[40][41]International career
Junior international play
Connor made his junior international debut at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piešťany, Slovakia, where he recorded 2 goals and 1 assist in 5 games as Team USA won silver.[5][42] Connor began representing Team USA in junior international competition during the 2013–14 season, earning selections based on his standout performance with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he recorded 74 points in 56 games to finish second in league scoring.[5] His offensive prowess and two-way play made him a key forward on these teams, often deployed on scoring lines to drive play and contribute to the attack. In December 2013, Connor competed for Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, tallying 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 4 games as the United States defeated Russia 4–1 in the gold medal game to claim the title. He scored the game-winning goal late in the second period of the final, helping secure the Americans' fourth consecutive tournament victory.[43] The following year, Connor captained the U.S. Junior Select Team at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, where he registered 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points in 4 games en route to another gold medal.[44][45] In the semifinal against Canada East, he scored once and added an assist in a 7–1 win, showcasing his leadership and scoring touch on the top line.[44] The United States topped Denmark 3–2 in overtime in the final to win their fifth gold in seven editions of the event.[46] Connor's pinnacle junior achievement came at the 2014 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Lappeenranta and Imatra, Finland, where he suited up as a top-six forward for Team USA.[47] Over 7 games, he notched 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points and a plus-8 rating, tying for third in team scoring behind Auston Matthews and Noah Hanifin.[48] His contributions included multi-point efforts in the preliminary round, helping the Americans go undefeated and defeat the Czech Republic 5–2 in the gold medal game for their second straight U18 title.[49] Despite his success at the U18 level and ongoing production in the USHL—where he led the league with 80 points in 56 games during the 2014–15 season—Connor was not selected for either the 2015 or 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship rosters.[50] Team USA earned bronze at the 2015 tournament in Toronto-Montreal, but Connor's omission surprised many given his elite junior scoring. He transitioned to collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan shortly thereafter, forgoing further junior international opportunities.Senior international play
Connor made his senior international debut representing the United States at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Russia. As a 19-year-old freshman at the University of Michigan, he appeared in five games for Team USA, registering two assists with no goals, while accumulating a minus-3 rating.[51] The United States finished fourth in the tournament after a 4–3 loss to Canada in the semifinals and a 7–2 loss to Russia in the bronze medal game.[52] Connor's next senior appearance came nearly a decade later at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, held from February 12 to 20, 2025, in Montreal and Boston, featuring national teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Selected to the U.S. roster alongside Winnipeg Jets teammate Connor Hellebuyck, he skated in three of the team's four games, recording one assist and a minus-1 rating while logging an average of 12:27 of ice time per game.[53][54] Connor was a healthy scratch for the gold medal game against Canada, where he was replaced by Chris Kreider; the U.S. earned silver after a 3-2 overtime loss, with Canada claiming the championship on a goal from Connor McDavid.[55]Personal life
Family
Kyle Connor hails from Shelby Township, Michigan, where he grew up with strong familial ties that have influenced his personal life. He has three siblings: two brothers, Brendon and Jacob, and a sister, Krystal.[56] Connor became engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Ally Petack, in September 2023 after the couple had been dating since 2019, having met through mutual friends in Detroit.[57][58] The pair married in July 2024 in a ceremony held in Michigan, attended by approximately 150 friends and family members.[59] In March 2025, Connor and Petack welcomed their first child, a daughter named Willa Jo, marking a significant family milestone for the couple.[60] Connor's parents, the late Joe Connor and Kathy Connor, provided unwavering support throughout his early career transitions, including his relocation to Winnipeg following his 2015 NHL draft selection by the Jets.[61] Joe's involvement was particularly notable; he coached Kyle extensively during his youth and even constructed indoor and outdoor rinks at their Michigan home to foster his development, instilling a strong work ethic.[61] Both parents demonstrated their backing by wearing Winnipeg Jets jerseys, a gesture Connor described as "pretty amazing and something you never could have imagined."[61] Kathy continued this support by participating in team family trips, further strengthening familial bonds during his professional adjustment to life in Manitoba.[61]Off-ice activities
Connor has been actively involved in community programs through the Winnipeg Jets, particularly as an ambassador for U-Turn Parkinson’s, a Winnipeg-based wellness center supporting individuals affected by the disease. His commitment stems from family history, as both his father Joe and grandfather suffered from Parkinson’s.[60] He launched the Team 81 Ride for Parkinson’s in 2024, an annual 300-kilometer cycling event across Manitoba that raised over $140,000 in its inaugural year to fund expanded services at the center, benefiting more than 7,000 Manitobans living with Parkinson’s; a second ride took place in August 2025.[62][63] Additionally, he supports the Jets' annual Parkinson’s Awareness Night, which includes on-ice activations and fundraising efforts to increase visibility and resources for related initiatives like the Movement Disorder Clinic.[64] Outside of philanthropy, Connor pursues hobbies that allow him to unwind during the offseason, including golf and fishing. He has participated in local golf events, such as the 2019 Players Cup at Southwood Golf & Country Club, where he competed in a pro-am format and engaged with fans despite the challenges of transitioning from hockey to the course.[65] These activities, along with fishing trips, provide a contrast to his on-ice intensity and help him recharge in Manitoba's outdoor settings.[66] Since being drafted by the Jets in 2015 and relocating from Michigan, Connor has adapted well to life in Winnipeg, expressing a strong commitment to the city by signing an eight-year contract extension in 2025, noting he could not envision playing elsewhere.[67] This long-term dedication underscores his integration into the local community beyond the rink.[36]Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
Connor began his professional career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manitoba Moose, the primary affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, during the 2016–17 season. He recorded 25 goals and 19 assists for 44 points in 52 games, showcasing his scoring prowess while adjusting to pro hockey. The following season, 2017–18, he appeared in just four games with the Moose, tallying three goals and two assists for five points, before earning a full-time call-up to the NHL.[8] Connor made his NHL debut with the Jets during the 2016–17 season, appearing in 20 games and contributing two goals and three assists. Over the subsequent seasons, he established himself as a key offensive contributor, highlighted by career-high performances such as 47 goals and 93 points in 79 games during the 2021–22 season, and 97 points in 82 games in 2024–25. As of November 13, 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 season, he has amassed 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 17 games. His regular season statistics are summarized below.[9][68]| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | WPG | 20 | 2 | 3 | 5 | –7 | 4 |
| 2017–18 | WPG | 76 | 31 | 26 | 57 | +8 | 16 |
| 2018–19 | WPG | 82 | 34 | 32 | 66 | –7 | 18 |
| 2019–20 | WPG | 71 | 38 | 35 | 73 | +4 | 34 |
| 2020–21 | WPG | 56 | 26 | 24 | 50 | –4 | 12 |
| 2021–22 | WPG | 79 | 47 | 46 | 93 | –3 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | WPG | 82 | 31 | 49 | 80 | –11 | 20 |
| 2023–24 | WPG | 65 | 34 | 27 | 61 | –6 | 6 |
| 2024–25 | WPG | 82 | 41 | 56 | 97 | +17 | 25 |
| 2025–26 | WPG | 17 | 10 | 10 | 20 | +3 | 4 |
| Career | 630 | 294 | 308 | 602 | –6 | 143 |
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | WPG | 17 | 3 | 7 | 10 | –4 | 2 |
| 2018–19 | WPG | 6 | 3 | 2 | 5 | +2 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | WPG | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | –3 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | WPG | 8 | 3 | 4 | 7 | +1 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | WPG | 5 | 3 | 1 | 4 | –2 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | WPG | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | –2 | 4 |
| 2024–25 | WPG | 13 | 5 | 12 | 17 | +4 | 0 |
| Career | 58 | 20 | 29 | 49 | –4 | 6 |
International
Connor has represented the United States in international ice hockey competitions at both junior and senior levels, primarily through IIHF-sanctioned tournaments and other senior events like the 4 Nations Face-Off. His contributions include notable performances in junior events leading to medals and consistent production in senior competitions.[5]Junior statistics
Connor's junior international play for Team USA featured strong scoring in key tournaments, contributing to a gold medal at the 2014 IIHF World U18 Championship where he tallied 7 points in 7 games, and 3 points in 5 games at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, which resulted in silver.[5][49]| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | IIHF World U18 Championship | 7 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 0 | Gold |
| 2015 | World Junior A Challenge | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | No medal |
Senior statistics
At the senior level, Connor debuted at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, recording 2 points in 5 games as Team USA finished fourth. He later appeared in the 2019 and 2022 IIHF World Championships, scoring 5 points in 2019 (Team USA 7th place) and 4 points in 2022 (Team USA 5th place), highlighting his role in the American squad's efforts despite no medals. In 2025, he represented the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off, recording 1 point in 3 games as Team USA earned silver.[5]| Year | Tournament | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | IIHF World Championship | 5 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4th |
| 2019 | IIHF World Championship | 8 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 7th |
| 2022 | IIHF World Championship | 7 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 5th |
| 2025 | 4 Nations Face-Off | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Silver |