University of Michigan freshman Kyle Connor, who had a breakout season with the hockey team in 2015-16, is leaving the university to play in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets.
Connor, 19, who is from Shelby Township, scored 35 goals and added 36 assists for 71 points in his first season with the Wolverines.
"Playing at Michigan was the most fun year of hockey in my life, and I think that I really benefited from all of the coaching here," Connor said in a release from the university. "I want to think everyone that works hard in the program behind the scenes as well. It was truly a dream come true to play at Michigan and an experience I'll never forget."
He was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the year, and was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
The Jets drafted Connor with the 17th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
According to the Jets, the contract will be for three years and $1.775 million per year.
Excited to sign my first NHL contract. Looking forward to the next chapter of my hockey career #WinnipegJets pic.twitter.com/5IzEnI5mUw
— Kyle Connor (@KyleConnor18) April 11, 2016
