Are the Winnipeg Jets Planning to Trade Nikolaj Ehlers?
The Winnipeg Jets made a significant move before the 2023 NHL draft, trading Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings for three players and a second-round pick. As the 2024 draft nears, they may be preparing for another major trade involving a key player.
Nikolaj Ehlers emerged as a trade candidate in early May. The Athletic’s Murat Ates reported that the Jets had previously explored trading the 28-year-old winger due to concerns about affording his re-signing. Ehlers, who has a year left on his contract with a $6 million average annual value and a 10-team no-trade list, has been the subject of growing speculation.
Rumors suggest that Ehlers could be used to acquire a top-four defenseman. The Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Utah, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders were mentioned as possible trade partners. Additionally, The Hockey News’ Islanders contributor Stefen Rosner reported that the team has shown interest in Ehlers.
#Isles need a top-six forward. Could they land #GoJetsGo forward Nikolaj Ehlers?
They’ve inquired and after trade with #Blackhawks, NYI does have an extra second-round pick.
Time will tell.@TheHockeyNews https://t.co/77stcDCpJq
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 11, 2024
Speculation increased after The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta claimed Ehlers was not interested in a contract extension with the Jets. According to Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun, there has been ongoing communication between Ehlers’ camp and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, with Ehlers reportedly preferring to play out his contract.
Billeck noted that Ehlers excelled in top-line minutes but was seldom given the opportunity by former coach Rick Bowness or his predecessors.
If new coach Scott Arniel follows the same pattern, trading Ehlers might be a viable option. Pagnotta added the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New Jersey Devils to the list of potential suitors.
Meanwhile, Ates believes the Jets aim to trade Ehlers before the draft, likely seeking a first-round pick and a promising young player. Despite an injury history, Ehlers has consistently performed well in a second-line role, scoring 60-plus points in three of his nine seasons in Winnipeg. He remains in his prime and could achieve more with a team that offers him a first-line role.
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