Jets F Kyle Connor (knee) out at least 2 games

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th December, 16:52 2023

Dec 7, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) shoots the puck in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Winnipeg Jets will be without star forward Kyle Connor for at least the next two games after he suffered a knee injury Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks.

Connor will miss Tuesday's game against the host San Jose Sharks and Wednesday's game at the Los Angeles Kings.

"Kyle is heading back to Winnipeg. He'll be re-evaluated by our doctors tonight when he gets in, and we'll go from there," Jets coach Rick Bowness told the media after Tuesday morning's skate in San Jose. "But as of now, obviously he's not playing tonight or tomorrow and we'll know more tonight when our doctors have a chance to examine him themselves."

In Sunday's 4-2 win over the Ducks, Connor took a knee-on-knee hit from Ryan Strome after firing a backhand shot. Jets captain Mark Scheifele took exception and fought Strome, who was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the hit.

The NHL said Monday that Strome would not be suspended.

Connor, 27, the 17th overall pick by the Jets in the 2015 draft, has a team-leading 17 goals and 28 points in 26 games this season.

Now in his eighth season with the Jets, Connor has 226 goals and 452 points in 492 games.

—Field Level Media