With a sizable list of free agents that are in need of new contracts, the Jets are going to have to shake up their roster to make room for these new deals. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that Winnipeg is shopping forward Mathieu Perreault. Now, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports (subscription required) that they are listening to offers on Nikolaj Ehlers.
The 23-year-old is coming off the most disappointing season of his young career. A shoulder injury caused him to miss 20 games and when he was in the lineup, he wasn’t particularly productive as he posted just 21 goals and 16 assists on the campaign, numbers that were well below expectations for someone that was expected to be a fixture in the top six. Ehlers also struggled considerably in the postseason as he was held off the scoresheet in their first-round loss to St. Louis while logging less than 13 minutes a night.
With six years and $36MM left on his contract, it’s understandable that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is open to seeing what the market is for the winger. With Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Jacob Trouba, and Tyler Myers among those in need of new deals, they’re going to have to free up some money somewhere. However, there’s also some risk in potentially dealing Ehlers at a low point in terms of his value.
However, considering that he had two straight seasons of at least 60 points before 2018-19, there should still be a sizable market for Ehlers. The free agent market isn’t exactly loaded with top-six wingers, especially those that have been able to reach that point plateau. An opportunity to land a player like that with extended team control doesn’t come up too often.
As for what Winnipeg may be seeking, LeBrun speculates that a young defenseman would make sense as a target to hedge against what could happen with Trouba and Myers. It has been suggested that Trouba may not want to sign long-term with Winnipeg which, with him being one year away from UFA eligibility, makes him a trade candidate over the next couple of weeks. Myers could ultimately choose to walk on the open market next month which would leave their back end thinned out rather quickly. It’s certainly possible that Ehlers could be used to help re-solidify that position in the coming weeks.
Does Gotisbehere and the 11th pick maybe get Ehlers?
Rdiddy…I spoke briefly to say carchidi last month about the Flyers interest in nazem kadri to bulk up the center position. What about Kadri and Zaitsev for Gostisbehere and the Flyers 11th pick? Toronto could send the 11th pick for another 1-4 defender in another deal.
Sam Carchidi*
I can’t see the Flyers downgrading that much on the point and Kadri probably isn’t worth a pick that high. A trade of those players by the Leafs won’t bring back a package that good. I’d assume it would be pretty much just picks. The more important and primary asset they’ll acquire is cap space.
I Like Kadri’s game and he is such a pain in the ass to play against. But I’m not sure the Leafs would trade him within the Eastern conference unless they are blown away by an offer. I would much rather have Ehlers maybe expand the deal to include Trouba and the Flyers could also add to Ghost and the pick.
ghost AND the 11th? lol.
they are trying to shed payroll why would you offer a first and a top 4 defenceman? geez
Because the PriceWasRight. They would lose Trouba at 5.5 Million and Ehlers at 6 Million and they would gain 4.5 Million for Ghost as a replacement for Trouba or Myers have the draft pick and still have extra money to sign Laine and Connor.
I had no idea that Gostisbehere was even available to be honest. And the Leafs are looking to move payroll yes, but they are also going to be without 3 of their top 4 defensemen. Lots of work to be done, so I hope Dubas and Shanahan are doing what I am doing here…
yes but why would phili offer all that, for a guy off a down year? if your Winnipeg maybe you want that but phili would be way overpaying.
Interesting
Absolutely not
Ehlers had 2 60 point seasons and has not even reached age 25 yet. Last year was a down year but that was an aberration. He was hurt but if you wanna say down years Laine had one and he will get a nice bridge or long term deal.
Man these threads are painful to read. Any reason the responses are set up like this for the NHL site and not any of the other three?
2x 60 pt seasons doesnt equate to a top 4 defenceman and a top 11 pick.