Top-10 pick and 25-goal scorer placed on the block by Winnipeg Jets
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
May 15, 2024 (9:12 PM)
An insider at The Athletic believes the Winnipeg Jets will be shopping former 9th overall pick Nikolaj Ehlers as he nears the end of his current contract
There's already major change looming for the Winnipeg Jets after the retirement of head coach Rick Bowness following an earlier than expected exit from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Now, we have word that another big one could be on the way.
Murat Ates of The Athletic says he believes Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is shopping Ehlers with the hopes of making a deal before the 2024 NHL draft.
"The Jets are indeed in the process of a head coaching search — one wonders if new leadership could change what seems like an inevitable exit — but I believe that Ehlers will be shopped ahead of the NHL Draft."
"Ehlers has been shopped before, but never so seriously that talks reached the boiling point. Things could be different this summer."
Ehlers was drafted 9th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2014 and has spent his entire career with the team. Last season was one of his best, as Ehlers scored 25 goals and 61 points in 82 games. Ates notes that Ehlers as a 10-team no-trade list he can submit to the Jets. His current deal has one year left on it at a cap hit of $6 million, at which point he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
"Nikolaj Ehlers, who is reportedly being shopped by Winnipeg, could be a sneaky-good Jake Guentzel replacement beside Crosby.
He had 61 points this year, while not getting the ice-time he deserves.
He's a great skater and playmaker that can finish chances and play both wings. No question there will be interest from other teams if Cheveldayoff officially puts Ehlers up for grabs. The return would be interesting to see. The Jets are in win now mode, and likely aren't looking for draft picks and/or prospects. They'll want someone who can slot into the lineup now.
POLL |
MAI 15 | 89 ANSWERS Top-10 pick and 25-goal scorer placed on the block by Winnipeg Jets Do you think Nikolaj Ehlers will get traded from the Winnipeg Jets this offseason? |
Yes | 52 | 58.4 % |
No | 20 | 22.5 % |
Not sure | 17 | 19.1 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
|
22 minutes ago | By Tom Banks Wayne Gretzky to play alongside Charles Barkley and other celebrities in million-dollar golf match |
|
3 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Craig Berube called out by William Nylander for mismanagement of his ice time: tensions rising between the two |
|
5 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Two fans get banned from arenas after mocking goaltender who was passed in tragic plane crash |
|
8 hours ago | By Tom Banks New York Rangers' Vincent Trochek under fire for tasteless Halloween costume |
|
8 hours ago | By Tom Banks Colorado Avalanche forward facing likely suspension for charging on Erik Cernak |
|
10 hours ago | By Julien Trekker Trade rumors picking up as Utah Hockey Club continues to healthy scratch 20-goal scorer Michael Carcone |
|
11 hours ago | By Aaron Itovitch Kevin Fiala comments on getting healthy scratched for breaking LA Kings team rule |
|
12 hours ago | By Aaron Itovitch Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel loses it with referees after blatant missed call |