In a bit more bad news for the Winnipeg Jets, both Bob McKenzie of TSN and Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic are reporting that things aren’t close with Kyle Connor on a new extension.
Connor’s agent Rich Evans told LeBrun that any speculation that the two sides are close to a deal is “just not true.” Meanwhile, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said, “We will keep on working at them until we reach an agreement.”
While some might have expected a deal for Patrick Laine might take a bit more work, that Connor is so far from an extension has to be considered a negative and unexpected turn for the Jets who would love to get the 22-year-old signed to an extension. His deal really should have been fairly quick and simple.
Instead, the Jets have a depleted blue line, question marks as to the future of Dustin Byfuglien, a player in Patrick Laine who is publicly hurting the reputation of his teammates and Connor not close to a new deal.
LeBrun also notes that things get more difficult for the Jets if this stalemate lasts into the NHL regular season. The year-long salary charge will be prorated over the course of the 2019-20 campaign. That makes things even tougher to Winnipeg who has to wondering where to spend the cap space they do have.
Next: NHL Rumors: Do Bruins Have to Worry About Jake Debrusk?
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