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For Kyle Connor, An AHL Stint Is Imminent

Winnipeg Jets Prospects

With the depleted Winnipeg Jets lineup inching closer to full strength, it’s becoming clear that a Kyle Connor AHL stint is imminent. The college to NHL transition hasn’t been all that kind to him. While he showed glimpses of greatness in the pre-season, some development time with the Manitoba Moose is needed in order for the glimpses to turn into consistency.

Hot Start, Slow Finish

The 19 year-old was on fire in the pre-season, potting three goals in five contests. Coming off a league leading 71 point season in the NCAA with the Michigan Wolverines, he already figured to warrant a spot in the opening day lineup. His preseason efforts further cemented him in the conversation.

It started going downhill from there.

No more than 11 minutes into regular season, centreman Bryan Little went down with a lower body injury. This would force Mathieu Perreault — Connor’s centre at the time — up the lineup. Historically, Perreault makes the teammates he plays with better. Connor was robbed of the opportunity to build a bond of chemistry with him.

In 18 games, Connor has only recorded a total of four points. Nothing seems to be able to get him going. His zone adjusted Corsi for percentage of 44% is fifth worst on the team. He’s been soft on the forecheck, with not nearly enough offense to make up for it.

Coach’s Comments

Recent comments from Head Coach Paul Maurice have seemed to imply an AHL reassignment for Connor:

Nic Petan has been great. What’s been interesting is the players that have come in — when some of these veteran guys come back — some of these guys have earned spots and it may change the way we look going forward.”

Moose recalls Petan and Marko Dano playing as well as they have been makes the forward group even more crowded. While they are on two-way contracts and don’t require waivers if sent down (neither does Connor), Maurice is really hinting that he intends for them to stay. The two 21 year-olds are in more mature phases of their development curves than Connor.

Petan has been placed on the injured reserve retro-active to November 27, buying Connor a little time. But once he and Perreault are activated, Connor’s AHL fate may be sealed.

Perreault could be returning to the Jets lineup as early as Thursday.

Going Forward

Rather than playing fourth line minutes in the NHL with grinders, Connor is better off riding shotgun with Jack Roslovic in the AHL. Roslovic is the Moose points leader with 13. Playing on his wing and generating offense on a nightly basis is much better for Connor’s development.

His ice time with the Jets has drastically decreased. He played a measly 3:03 in Sunday afternoon’s victory over the Nashville Predators. It’s becoming inevitable that once the lineup heals a bit more, Connor will be the odd man out.

Maybe “man” isn’t the most accurate term to describe him. At 19, much of the youthful winger’s potential has yet to be untapped. Connor’s time is going to come, he projects to be a dynamic player in the near future. But in the present day, a Kyle Connor AHL stint is what works best for both him and his team.

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