WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Kyle Connor is staying in Winnipeg, with the Jets keeping a franchise cornerstone and their most reliable goal-scorer in the fold through his prime and beyond.

The reigning first-team NHL All-Star left winger signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. Connor will count $12 million against the salary cap from when the new deal kicks in next season through 2034.

“Both sides were working hard to get this done before the season, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be part of this organization for the next eight, nine years — including this year,” Connor said. “Both sides wanted a long-term deal, and we knew the fit was great here.”

Connor, who turns 29 in December, was set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

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