Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers has been in the spotlight of trade discussions, with one proposal suggesting that the Detroit Red Wings could acquire him.
Entering the final year of his seven-year, $ 42 million contract, Ehlers has been linked to trade talks this summer. The website PuckPedia has introduced a tool called PuckGM, allowing users to create their own trade scenarios, and one user put forth a suggestion for the Red Wings to obtain Ehlers.
The suggested blockbuster trade would send Ehlers to the Red Wings in exchange for two prospects and two draft picks.
Ehlers would instantly enhance Detroit’s scoring power, likely fitting into the second line and pushing Vladimir Tarasenko down to the third line, further strengthening their offense. Last season, Ehlers netted 25 goals and 36 assists for a total of 61 points in 82 games.
For Winnipeg, the trade would provide valuable assets for their rebuilding efforts, including a first and second-round draft pick. They would also gain Jonatan Berggren, who was picked 33rd overall in the 2018 NHL Draft and has played 79 NHL games, tallying 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points. The 24-year-old could serve as a middle-six forward for the Jets.
Additionally, Dmitri Buchelnikov, selected 52nd overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Draft, has yet to sign his entry-level contract. He played in the KHL last season, where he recorded 13 goals and 16 assists for a total of 29 points.
Red Wings receive:
Nikolaj Ehlers
Jets receive:
Jonatan Berggren
Dmitri Buchelnikov
2025 first-round pick
2026 second-round pick
Ehlers Embraces a Change of Environment from the Jets
Ehlers has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Jets, who drafted him ninth overall in 2014.
As he enters the final year of his contract, trade rumors have been circulating. David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period reported that Ehlers is not interested in a contract extension and would be open to a trade.
“According to a reliable source close to the Jets, Ehlers is not looking to sign an extension with the team, which is a key reason why Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is considering trade options,” Pagnotta mentioned on June 5. “He has a 10-team no-trade list, and while he hasn’t formally requested a trade, word from Winnipeg suggests he would be open to one.”
Despite Ehlers’ reluctance to sign an extension, Winnipeg has not yet moved him.
Red Wings Strengthen Offense in Free Agency
After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the Detroit Red Wings prioritized bolstering their offense in the offseason. Their first significant move was re-signing future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane to a one-year, $6.5 million extension.
They also signed two-time Stanley Cup champion Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year, $9.5 million contract. Following these additions, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman expressed optimism about the team’s playoff prospects for the upcoming season.
“I believe we are in the mix with teams that have a chance to compete for the playoffs,” Yzerman stated on July 4. “If we stay healthy, have solid goaltending, and players exceed expectations, we could make it. Alternatively, we might fall short by just a point in the final game of the season. That’s the fine line we face.
When I compare this year’s roster to last year’s, I see some differences, and it might be a better fit in terms of player roles.” The Red Wings have not reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
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