NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Potential Trade Returns For Nikolaj Ehlers

It's become apparent in recent days that Nikolaj Ehlers's time with the Winnipeg Jets is likely coming to an end. After a disappointing first-round loss, the team will be looking to make some changes. And with Ehlers' lack of playoff production, and going into the final year of his contract, he is a prime candidate to be moved.

Murat Ates of The Athletic has offered up three ideal trade returns that the Jets should be shooting for, in dealing away their seven-time 20-goal scorer.

Ottawa Senators: Jacob Chychrun

Chychrun could fit right on the second defense pairing with Brenden Dillon, writes Ates, IF Dillon re-signs, which is a dubious assumption at this point. Nevertheless, Chychrun can provide offense from the backline, tying a career-high with 41 points this season, and would probably have a much better time of it defensively in Winnipeg, given their goaltending and other defense options. Chychrun's $4.6 million cap hit has one more season to run, just like Ehlers.

Utah (former Coyotes): Lawson Crouse

The power forward is signed for three more seasons at a $4.3 million cap hit, and his 23 goals this year make it three straight seasons topping the 20-goal mark, making up for a good bit of the goal-scoring that Ehlers provided.

Carolina Hurricanes: Dmitry Orlov

The Canes have a slew of noteworthy UFAs they need to deal with this summer, and perhaps a little cap savings in a deal like this could help them. Orlov goes into the final year of a $7.75 million cap hit, a savings of nearly $2M if dealing him for Ehlers.

Whichever way the Jets go, they'll need to get back something substantial for the player who has been the team's leader in points per minute of ice time over the past five years.