Jets Rumors: Nikolaj Ehlers Becoming Prime Trade Candidate

After another disappointing first-round exit in Stanley Cup Playoffs, changes are coming to the Winnipeg Jets. Rick Bowness has retired from coaching and a new bench boss is on the way, meanwhile GM Kevin Cheveldayoff also has some moves up his sleeve.

Look for Nikolaj Ehlers to be considered as a trade candidate at the NHL Draft and into the summer months. Ehlers has just one season left on his contract at $6 million AAV and it's become obvious he's not capable of producing in the playoffs. Throughout the first-round against the Colorado Avalanche, a style which should suit the speedy Ehlers, he didn't score once and only managed two assists in five games.

In his playoff career, the Danish forward has only managed to produce four goals and 14 points in 37 games. Simply not good enough and a change of scenery could be on the way.

Ehlers owns a modified no-trade clause which protects him from 10 teams. There will be suitors among the 21 others and the Jets should be able to add an impact player to their defense core in the deal. Winnipeg has three pending unrestricted free agents on their blueline and also Logan Stanley who is a pending restricted free agent. Cheveldayoff has just $13 million to fill the gaps, and sign a backup goaltender so moving on from Ehlers and his $6 million cap hit could and should certainly help.

Brad Marchand takes exception to a hit and fights Nikolaj Ehlers pic.twitter.com/h3nOTqcnRa
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 1, 2020

“There’s been some talk that maybe we aren’t where we’re supposed to be… we know that we are.”

Nikolaj Ehlers on silencing the Jets critics heading into the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/uwUQArz9n4
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 21, 2024