Blackhawks Expected to Show Trade Interest in $42 Million Winger: Report
The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be among the teams showing interest in Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who is likely to be available for trade this summer as he enters the final year of his seven-year, $42 million contract.
NHL insider David Pagnotta reported on June 5 that Ehlers could potentially be on the trade market, with the Blackhawks and several other teams eyeing the winger as a top-six scoring option. While Ehlers has not requested a trade from Winnipeg, Pagnotta mentioned that the player is not keen on signing a contract extension with the Jets.
Despite earning $6.75 million in actual salary for the 2024-25 season, with a $6 million cap hit, Ehlers reportedly holds a 10-team no-trade clause and would be open to a move if it arises. Winnipeg’s GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is said to be exploring trade options due to Ehlers’s reluctance to extend his stay with the team. Drafted by the Jets in 2014, Ehlers has been a consistent performer for the team, tallying 61 points in 82 games last season and contributing in the playoffs as well.
The Chicago Blackhawks have also been associated with forward Jake Guentzel in addition to the trade speculations surrounding Nikolaj Ehlers
According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, there is a possibility that Guentzel, a free agent, could potentially join the Blackhawks.
Friedman mentioned on “The Jeff Marek Show” on June 5 that Guentzel, who is ranked second in free agency by DailyFaceoff.com and projected to sign a six-year contract worth $8 million per season, could be attracted to Chicago due to his Midwest roots and the team’s need for players to complement the roster.
In the playoffs, Guentzel showcased his scoring ability by notching 9 points (4 goals and 5 assists) in 11 games with the Carolina Hurricanes.
What is the Blackhawks’ Cap Space Situation?
Heading into the offseason, Chicago is in a strong cap position with almost $34 million in available cap space, as reported by CapFriendly.
While the Blackhawks have key free agents like Mackenzie Entwistle, Taylor Raddysh, and Tyler Johnson, it is anticipated that they will not demand significant contracts.
This surplus cap room gives Chicago the flexibility to be active in free agency or pursue trades, which explains their connection to players like Ehlers and Guentzel.
The full list of pending Blackhawks free agents is as follows:
- 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
