I've exported a powerapp and then imported (as this is the only way to make a copy of the powerapp now?!)
The imported powerapp has retained the connections from the original powerapp that I modified in the past.
So to summarise and repeat:
1. I was given a powerapp to modify. It had connections to A, B, C.
2. I modified the powerapp to have connections to D, E, F.
3. I saved it.
4. I exported the powerapp and made sure the action was to Create New.
5. I then imported it and it retained connections A, B, C.
Bug?
