Michigan's Own Kyle Connor Would Be Dream Acquisition For Red Wings

Despite several additions to the roster, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has yet to make what would be considered a "major splash" acquisition. 

While the Red Wings were linked to several of the notable names that were available in free agency, they ultimately didn't get a chance to speak to the likes of Mitch Marner, Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and others. 

Detroit remains linked to a number of names on both offense and defense that could help make an immediate impact for the team in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, including Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars and Bryan Rust of the Pittsburgh Penguins, both of whom originally hail from Michigan.

Speaking of Michigan-born forwards who could be in play, another name that could be on Detroit's radar is Winnipeg Jets winger Kyle Connor.

Originally from Clinton Township, Connor is the top forward for the Jets, having scored 41 goals this season as part of Winnipeg's Presidents' Trophy-winning season. He's also set to enter the final year of his current contract, and isn't signed beyond next season. 

The Jets have already lost top-six forward Nikolaj Ehlers to free agency, as he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes. Naturally, the thought of Connor leaving in free agency for nothing in return would make Jets management shudder. 

If contract talks between Connor and the Jets prove fruitless, Yzerman could be in prime position to pounce. 

An acquisition of Connor by trade on the part of the Red Wings would not only be considered a splash, it would be viewed as a seismic leap forward in their quest to bring postseason hockey to Little Caesars Arena for the first time. 

Connor would immediately fit in Detroit's top-six forward units, and could even slot in on the top line along with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. 

Like Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher, and Andrew Copp (a former Jets forward himself), Connor played for the University of Michigan. 

Much like Robertson, who is also entering the final season of his own respective contract, the Red Wings would have to work out an extension for him beyond 2026. But with the salary cap projected to rise and with money set to begin coming off the books in the near future, it shouldn't be an issue. 

Detroit also has the draft capital and a multitude of young prospects to dangle as trade bait. 

Yzerman openly spoke about the possibility remaining of making a major addition to the roster through a trade, and Connor would be nothing short of a home run.