What Happened
Kyle Connor, a forward for the Winnipeg Jets, recently opted to skip the White House invitation extended to Team USA following their Olympic victory. This decision comes after a disappointing performance at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, where Connor played only two games without recording any shots or points, leading to him being a healthy scratch for the remainder of the tournament.
Why It Matters
Connor’s absence from the White House celebration highlights his dissatisfaction with his Olympic experience, particularly given his previous struggles with Team USA, including being a scratch during the 4 Nations Face-Off championship last year. His current standing with the national team appears to be precarious, which could affect his chances in future selections for international competitions.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Kyle Connor is focusing on the remainder of the NHL season with the Winnipeg Jets. The team is set to embark on a three-game road trip, starting with a match against the Vancouver Canucks. Head coach Scott Arniel has confirmed that Connor Hellebuyck will not be in goal for the first game but is expected to return for the second game against the Anaheim Ducks. Connor has expressed his commitment to preparing for the upcoming games, stating, “I’m just getting ready. We play on Wednesday. It’s a big second half, so I just wanted to make sure I was ready.”
