Connor keeping busy during pause, hopes to return to action

Like many of his teammates, Kyle Connor is trying his best to pass the time as the NHL remains on pause.

"Just trying to stay active as much as I can to stay busy. It's starting to get a little warmer here in Michigan, so I've been out playing tennis a couple of times, go out fishing," said Connor via video chat on Friday morning from his summer home.

"I've got some roller blades to cruise around the neighbourhood with those but it's tough. It's tough for everybody and I think everybody once it starts to warm up just wants to go outside. But Michigan has a pretty tough quarantine (law), they've cracked down."

One of Connor's true passions is golf and not being able to watch one of his favourite sports has been tough, especially this weekend.

"I think it was Masters week this week. That's pretty sad that we're not watching Tiger (Woods) alone with all the other golfers teeing off at Augusta," said Connor.

"That definitely sucks along with (not being able to watch) all sports."

During the chat with the media Connor took time to reflect upon a season in which he set career highs in goals, assists and points. He fired home two goals in Edmonton before the pause, helping the where the Jets to a 4-2 win over the Oilers.

"I think myself; I was really getting into a groove as well as the whole team. I think we were playing some really great hockey and we were making that push," said Connor.

"We knew that every single game was so big at that point. You know that was kind of our mindset going in after we had heard about it after the first period as well. We have to win this game and get into a playoff spot because who knows if they start the playoffs. That was kind of the way we approached it over the last two periods."

Considering how well the Jets were playing and the fact they were starting to get healthy, Connor believes the team could make some noise should Winnipeg qualify for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs in any form.

"I really hope they finish the season but that's still up in the air. This team, the way it was playing, like I said earlier it was some of the best hockey we've ever had," said Connor.

"It sucks the way it all unfolded but I think the sky was the limit with this team and we were just starting to hit our peak and come together as a team. Once you get everybody together as a team buying in, that's when you see teams go on to do great things."

As much as the teams, players and fans want hockey back, it won't be a simple formula. Connor believes there will be a lot of work required to get the players up to speed.

"That's something where I think the NHLPA and the NHL and the owners have to come together. I think you almost need a mini training camp," said Connor.

"I don't think anybody's skating at this point and to be off the ice for that long, it's tough. You can't just jump back into it and into a season. I think that's something we definitely need to talk about and there is talks going on about how we can finish the season. It's got to start with a training camp."