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Jets’ Kyle Connor Making a Strong Case for the Hart Trophy

Last night, Winnipeg Jets Kyle Connor scored three goals in seven minutes of the first period. Is Connor making a case for the Hart Trophy?

by
Old Prof
January 16, 2025

How good are the Winnipeg Jets this season? Really good is the answer. They are currently tied with the also surprising Washington Capitals to lead the NHL with 63 points. For the Jets, Kyle Connor‘s offensive production is one reason for the team’s success. He’s been one force behind the team’s success, which isn’t to say there haven’t been others. While goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is also receiving raves for his great goaltending, most people are getting used to his heroics in the net. His greatness has become a bit ho-hum.

However, perhaps it’s also time to discuss how much Connor’s offensive skills matter to the team and why he deserves a spot in the Hart Trophy conversation.

Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets is making a case for Hart Trophy consideration

Offensive Excellence on Display

Connor’s numbers this season are remarkable. But that’s not unusual. Except for the COVID-19-shortened season, he’s scored 30 goals every season he’s played. He might not hit the 50-goal mark this season, but he could drive up beside his best season ever when he scored 47 goals. Right now, he has 26 goals and 59 points in 45 games.

Last night, in his team’s 6-1 win over the Canucks, he scored three first-period goals (a Natural Hat Trick) in less than seven minutes (6:38 to be exact). It was his sixth career hat trick, and with it, he grabbed the fourth spot in Jets/Atlanta Thrashers history for scoring. He passed teammate Nikolaj Ehlers.

Connor seems to love to put up big games. In his career, he now has nine four-point games. This feat ties him with Vyacheslav Kozlov for fourth-most in the franchise’s history. Only Ilya Kovalchuk, Blake Wheeler, and teammate Mark Scheifele have more.

He Has Proven He’s Pivotal to Team Success

Connor’s contributions have been key to the Jets’ success this season. His 20 power-play points showcase his importance on special teams, while his 149 shots on goal show an aggressive offensive mindset. His plus-9 rating underlines his responsible two-way play, proving he’s not just a scorer but also contributes defensively.

While Hellebuyck has been phenomenal in goal, Connor has been the offensive engine pushing the Jets forward. His consistent production relieves pressure on the defense and allows the team to play confidently.

Connor Is Beginning to Rise to the Level of the Competition

The Hart Trophy is awarded to the most valuable player on their team, and Connor’s impact is tough to ignore. His leadership on the ice has been critical in key moments, particularly in games where the Jets needed a spark. That hat trick against Vancouver? This is another example of how he can shift momentum and clinch victories.

While Hellebuyck is a fantastic candidate for the Vezina Trophy, the Hart Trophy favors skaters, not goalies. With his consistent scoring and ability to rise to the occasion, Connor stands toe-to-toe with the league’s elite forwards.

Two Sets of Star Power on the Jets

With Connor and Hellebuyck, the Jets have two players who could claim awards this season. Not only does that make games exciting for Winnipeg fans, it has created an elite team in Winnipeg. As the season progresses, will Connor continue producing and gaining further consideration for the Hart Trophy? There’s a good chance, and he has the kind of team around him that would contribute to that possibility.