Kyle Connor Scratched Again as Jets Struggle to Make Olympic Impact
For the second straight international tournament, Kyle Connor is watching from the press box instead of skating on the ice. The Winnipeg Jets forward has once again been scratched by Team USA, this time ahead of a pivotal third game in the Olympic group stage.
Connor’s offensive struggles have been hard to ignore. After registering just one assist in three games during the 4 Nations Face-Off, he was held out of the final against Canada.
Fast forward to the Olympics, and the numbers haven’t improved. Through two games, Connor hasn’t registered a shot on goal and holds a -1 rating.
In his most recent outing, he logged just 9:50 of ice time - third-lowest among American skaters - before being scratched for Sunday’s matchup.
It’s a tough look for a player who’s been a consistent offensive weapon in the NHL. Whether he finds his way back into the lineup for the semifinal remains to be seen, but right now, Connor’s role with Team USA is very much in question.
And he’s not the only Jet facing adversity on the international stage.
The Olympics have been a rough ride for Winnipeg’s representatives. Connor Hellebuyck remains the lone Jet making a significant impact, likely securing the starter’s role for Team USA moving forward after Jeremy Swayman’s shaky performance on Saturday. But beyond Hellebuyck, it’s been a string of setbacks.
Josh Morrissey, who was expected to be a key piece for Team Canada, saw just a few minutes of action in the opener before exiting with an injury. Mark Scheifele didn’t make the final roster. And while Nino Niederreiter has suited up for Switzerland, he’s yet to find the scoresheet.
There have been a few bright spots - Canada’s Mark Stone, a Westwood native, turned in a strong performance with a goal and two assists in a dominant 10-2 win over France. Seth Jarvis (Winnipeg) and Travis Sanheim (Elkhorn) have also been inserted into Canada’s lineup. But for Jets fans, the Olympic tournament has largely been a frustrating watch.
As the knockout rounds approach, all eyes will be on whether Connor can work his way back into favor with the American coaching staff. Until then, it’s Hellebuyck carrying the torch for Winnipeg on the international stage - and doing it well.