Jets Rumors: Winnipeg Unlikely To Trade Nikolaj Ehlers Before New Year


Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report believes the Winnipeg Jets are unlikely to trade Nikolaj Ehlers before the New Year, despite persistent trade speculation throughout the summer. 

Ehlers, entering the final season of his seven-year contract with a $6 million AAV and a 10-team no-trade list, has been a frequent subject of rumors due to his upcoming unrestricted free agency. 

However, Richardson suggests that Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is taking a "wait-and-see" approach, opting to assess the team's performance before making any big decisions. 

He notes, "It’s best to see how this season shakes out for the Jets," especially with Ehlers being a key piece of Winnipeg’s lineup.

Richardson points out that if the Jets remain in playoff contention, it's unlikely they would part with a core player like Ehlers. 

Both Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel have praised Ehlers' performance, hinting at the possibility of a contract extension rather than a trade. 

The winger is expected to play a major role in driving the team's offense, particularly alongside Cole Perfetti and Vladislav Namestnikov on the second line. 

A strong season from Ehlers could prompt the Jets to shift their focus towards retaining him long-term, rather than entertaining offers from rival general managers.

However, should the Jets fall out of the postseason race, Ehlers could once again become a prime trade candidate as the March 7 deadline approaches. 

Richardson emphasizes that teams will likely monitor his performance throughout the season, but for now, the Jets seem content to hold onto the Danish winger and see how their playoff prospects develop.

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