Chicago Blackhawks Eyeing Trade for Jets’ Forward Nikolaj Ehlers Amid Offseason Moves
The Chicago Blackhawks are anticipated to be among several teams showing interest in trading for Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, Ehlers is expected to be on the trade market this summer as he enters the final year of his seven-year, $42 million contract. Pagnotta reported on June 5 that if Ehlers becomes available, the Blackhawks would be one of many teams vying for his services.
“Teams like the New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets are among those looking to add a top-six winger, making Ehlers an attractive option,” Pagnotta wrote on TheFourthPeriod.com.
Pagnotta noted that Ehlers has not requested a trade but is not interested in signing a contract extension with the Jets. “The 28-year-old Dane is set to earn $6.75 million in actual salary in 2024-25, with a cap hit of $6 million. He has a 10-team no-trade list and, while he hasn’t requested a trade, he would welcome a move. A source close to the Jets indicated that Ehlers’ reluctance to sign an extension is prompting Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to explore trade options,” Pagnotta explained.
Ehlers, drafted ninth overall by the Jets in 2014, tallied 25 goals and 36 assists for 61 points in 82 games last season, adding 2 assists in 5 playoff games.
In addition to Ehlers, the Blackhawks have also been linked to Jake Guentzel. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman speculated on “The Jeff Marek Show” that Guentzel, a free agent, could be a good fit for the Blackhawks. “Jake Guentzel is a Midwest guy, and Chicago is a Midwest location. They need players to support the guard, so it’s a plausible match,” Friedman said.
Guentzel, ranked second in free agency by DailyFaceoff.com, is projected to sign a six-year deal worth $8 million per season. He recorded 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 11 playoff games with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Blackhawks enter the offseason with nearly $34 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly. Although they have key free agents like Mackenzie Entwistle, Taylor Raddysh, and Tyler Johnson, none are expected to demand significant salaries. This financial flexibility positions Chicago to be active in both free agency and the trade market, making their links to Ehlers and Guentzel plausible.
Pending Blackhawks free agents include:
– Collin Blackwell, C, UFA
– Tyler Johnson, C, UFA
– Joey Anderson, RW, RFA
– Mackenzie Entwistle, LW, RFA
– Reese Johnson, C, RFA
– Jacob Megna, D, UFA
– Jarred Tinordi, D, UFA
– Nikita Zaitsev, D, UFA
