NHL Trade Rumors: 4 Defensemen Linked To Jets

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Murat Ates of The Athletic has connected the Winnipeg Jets to four potential trade targets as the team looks to solidify its blue line ahead of the trade deadline. 

The Jets are reportedly in the market for a big, mobile, right-shot defenseman to elevate their top pairing alongside Josh Morrissey. 

Among the candidates, Ates suggests the Jets could revisit Rasmus Ristolainen, whose career resurgence with the Philadelphia Flyers has reignited his value. 

Other options include Marcus Pettersson of the Pittsburgh Penguins, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens, and Cody Ceci of the San Jose Sharks. 

While none are seen as ideal long-term solutions, Ates notes these players could provide impactful upgrades without requiring a first-round pick.

The Jets' defensive depth has been a concern, especially with injuries affecting their lineup. 

Dylan Samberg’s return from injury offers a temporary boost, reuniting him with Neal Pionk, a pairing that has been effective this season. However, inconsistencies from depth players like Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola leave the Jets vulnerable when facing elite teams like Colorado and Vegas. 

"Add a big, mobile right-handed defenseman who gives Winnipeg an upgrade on DeMelo on the top pair, and the Jets would look a lot better prepared," Ates writes, speaking on the importance of strengthening their blue line for a playoff push.

Looking beyond this season, Winnipeg’s relatively modest spending on defense provides room to invest in a top-four player with term, ensuring flexibility for future roster moves. 

While options like Ristolainen or Pettersson could address immediate needs, Ates suggests the Jets may eventually need to pursue a more significant addition, similar to a "Mattias Ekholm or Chris Tanev-type sweepstakes," to solidify their defense for a deep playoff run. 

Such a move could help insulate the team against costly extensions for Neal Pionk or over-reliance on younger prospects like Elias Salomonsson.

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images



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