College star Kyle Connor says he's ready for the big leagues

Collegehockeyphenom Kyle Connor was19 when he decided last springto leave college early and sign his first pro deal with the Winnipeg Jets. Heading into this weekend's training camp, he feels he's ready to make the jump to the highest level of hockey.

Connor, along with 60 other players in the Jets system, started off this year's training camp with physicals and fitness testing. Connor said he knows earning a spot on this club, this season, is not going to be easy.

"Definitely a lot of competition, there are great players here, I need to go out there and prove myself," said Connor.

The college star led the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) last season with 35 goals and 71 points in 38 games. That 71 point seasonin his freshman yeartied him with2015 first overall draft pickJackEichel'sfreshmanpoint total.The only college freshman to get more points in a freshman season was Paul Kariya who racked up 100 points in 1993.

Connor had a 27-game point streak at the end of last seasonthat helped propel his Michigan Wolverines to college'sBig Ten Championship.He said Friday that having success at the college level helps boost his confidence coming into training camp and that he thinks the style of game he plays can translate into the NHL game.

"I think I play at a high pace, lots of speed. I like to push the pace with my game, use a lot of skill and make my teammates better," said Connor.

Connor said he spent a lot of the summer training, focusing on strength and increasing his speed and managed to add three to five pounds of muscle to his six-foot-one-inch frame.

Additional bulk may not be enough. The Jets added more depth after Connor signed his entry level deal back in April. The team drafted Finnish star Patrick Laine second overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft and signed versatile veteran Shawn Matthias. Connor knows he's in tough this camp but said he tries not to think about where he fits in on the depth chart.

"Here or there, you kind of think about it but that's kind of the coach's job. My job is to just go out there and play as hard as you can," said Connor.

Connor is focused on making the big club right now said for him, leaving college was the right choice.

"It was obviously a tough decision, but ultimately for me I think it was the best path for my career, my development.I think I'm just ready for this jump," said Connor.