The Winnipeg Jets have been one of the best teams in the NHL so far this season. Through their first 26 games played, they are 16-8-2 which is good for 34 standings points.
They are in a tough battle with the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars for the top of the Central Division. They are all within two points of each other with a lot of hockey left to go this season.
Unfortunately, the Jets got some bad news on Tuesday afternoon. Rick Bowness revealed that Kyle Connor is estimated to miss 6-8 weeks because of an injury.
There is a chance, however, that the team doctors could find it to be less time once they evaluate him. That would be huge for the Jets but it doesn't sound promising.
The Winnipeg Jets are going to be without Kyle Connor for a little bit
Rick Bowness on Kyle Connor. 6-8 weeks has been estimated…but team doctors must see him first. https://t.co/VERuN947Yq
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 12, 2023
Connor left the game against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday after a knee-on-knee collision with Ryan Strome.
That is a tough break for the Jets who have had such a good start. Connor is a big reason for that good start. He is their best player right now.
So far this year, Connor has 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points in 26 games played. He was likely going to be the All-Star representative for the Jets but this might put a stop to that.
The team needs to move on without him with their heads held high. This is a great team with outstanding players up and down the lineup. They need everyone to step up and collectively replace Connor in his absence. One player won't do it but they can get through it as a team.
Can guys like Mark Scheifele, Josh Morrissey, Connor Hellebuyck, and Cole Perfetti step up? You can bet that they will. It starts on Tuesday night when they take on the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center.
Kyle Connor is one of the best players in the NHL so he will be missed. This isn't the best news to get if you're the Jets but we've seen them battle adversity well before. If they can get through this estimated run without him, they'll be in great shape.