Breaking news from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman: Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor is facing a significant setback, anticipated to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks due to a knee injury inflicted by Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome.
Head coach Rick Bowness provided insight, stating,
"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."
Bowness confirmed Connor's immediate absence from upcoming games, emphasizing the uncertainty until further evaluation.
The injury resulted from a harsh knee-on-knee hit by Strome during Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Ducks, leading to a five-minute major penalty but no supplementary discipline from NHL Player Safety.
With 17 goals and 28 points in 25 games, the 27-year-old Connor's absence poses a substantial setback for the Jets. Strome, having served his penalty, proceeds without additional repercussions, leaving NHL Player Safety's decisions under scrutiny.