Winnipeg Jets Eyeing Major Trade as Draft Nears, Nikolaj Ehlers Rumored to Be on the Move

The Winnipeg Jets are no strangers to significant trades, and they made headlines before the 2023 NHL Draft by sending Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for three players and a second-round draft pick. As the 2024 draft approaches, the Jets could be gearing up for another major move involving a key roster player.

Nikolaj Ehlers, the talented 28-year-old winger, emerged as a trade candidate in early May. According to The Athletic’s Murat Ates, the Jets had previously tested the waters for Ehlers on the trade market, driven by concerns about their ability to afford re-signing him. Ehlers, who has one year left on his contract with an average annual value of $6 million, also holds a 10-team no-trade list.

Speculation surrounding Ehlers’ future intensified in the following weeks, with suggestions that he could be traded to bolster the Jets’ defense. Potential trade partners mentioned included the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders. Adding fuel to the fire, Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reported that the Islanders had inquired about Ehlers.

The rumors gained more traction when Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claimed that Ehlers wasn’t interested in signing a contract extension with the Jets. Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun cited a source indicating ongoing communication between Ehlers’ camp and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, with Ehlers seemingly intent on playing out his contract and exploring his options afterward.

Billeck highlighted that Ehlers had excelled in top-line minutes but hadn’t received many opportunities under former coach Rick Bowness or his predecessors. If new head coach Scott Arniel shares the same view, the Jets might decide it’s time to trade Ehlers. Pagnotta added the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New Jersey Devils to the list of potential suitors.

Ates remains confident that the Jets plan to move Ehlers before the draft, speculating that their asking price could be a first-round pick and a promising young player. Despite an injury history, Ehlers has consistently produced strong numbers in a second-line role, surpassing 60 points three times in his nine seasons with Winnipeg. At 28, he remains in his prime and could potentially thrive with a team that offers him a first-line role.

As the 2024 NHL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Winnipeg Jets and their next potential big move involving Nikolaj Ehlers.