The Jets’ Kyle Connor Is Flying Under the Radar Again

Kyle Connor started this season the way he finished last: scoring goals. The Winnipeg Jets winger had another big night Sunday, scoring two power-play goals and adding an assist in Winnipeg’s 3-2 win over Detroit. He also fired five shots on net. That gives Connor five points in his first two games. Not bad.

And maybe that’s the thing about Kyle Connor. We keep saying “not bad” about things that are actually pretty remarkable. Connor had 92 points last season. Thirty-nine goals and 53 assists. That was his second straight season over 90 points. Now he’s started this season with five points in two games.

So, where does this go? I’m not sure. But I think we should at least ask the question.

How high can Kyle Connor go this season?

Connor is 29 now. We’re not waiting for him to become the player he will be. He’s already that player. The interesting question is whether there’s another level. He’s scored 40 goals before. He’s topped 90 points twice. He’s an important part of Winnipeg’s power play. And he’s showing early in this season that he can still be one of the most dangerous offensive players on the ice.

Could he get to 100 points? Sure. I’m not going to predict it. Hockey has a funny way of knocking down our predictions. A bad month, an injury, a teammate getting hurt, a power play that doesn’t click quite the same way. A lot can happen. But I don’t think 100 points should sound ridiculous anymore.

Hockey fans, even the knowledgeable ones, don’t talk about Kyle Connor enough. I think Connor is one of the most underappreciated star players in the NHL. Maybe that’s partly because he plays in Winnipeg. Maybe it’s because there are so many terrific wingers around the league that it’s hard for anybody to stand out. Maybe it’s simply because Connor goes about his business without creating a lot of noise around himself.

Fans need to pay attention to Connor.

Whatever the reason, I think we’re missing something. This is a guy who has quietly put together two consecutive 90-point seasons. Now he’s 29 and starting another season like he’s got somewhere to go. I’d like to see Connor get a little more attention.

Not because he needs it. He clearly doesn’t. But because sometimes the hockey world gets so busy looking for the next big thing that we forget to appreciate the really good thing that’s already sitting right in front of us.

And Kyle Connor is really, really good.

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