WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Jets draft pick Kyle Connor is leaving school to join the team. He made the announcement on his Twitter account Monday morning.
Connor, 19, was the Jets 17th overall draft pick at the 2015 NHL Draft. He agreed to a three-year, two-way entry level contract that will pay him an average annual salary of $1.775 million.
Connor was a runner-up for Hobey Baker Award for the top player in U.S. college hockey. As a member of the University of Michigan Wolverines he led the nation with a jaw-dropping 35 goals and 36 assists in just 38 games in his freshman season. He finished the season on an incredible 27-game point streak before the Wolverines were eliminated in the NCAA Midwest Regional Final.
“He’s a guy that has some really explosive skills, and his speed and his talent level.” Jets head coach Paul Maurice said. “He’ll get every opportunity like anybody to come in and show what’s he’s capable of doing.”
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Prior to attending the University of Michigan, Connor played three seasons in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms.
Connor could be asked to join Team U.S.A. at the upcoming World Hockey Championships.
WATCH: Winnipeg Jets on signing Kyle Connor
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