Trade proposal involving Nikolaj Ehlers that would shake the NHL

This hypothetical trade has sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts alike, with opinions divided on whether it would be a beneficial move for either team.

Winnipeg gets: Brock Boeser
Vancouver gets: Nikolaj Ehlers
Who says no: Vancouver

This is a fun one from Pahul G. The contracts are close (Boeser at $6.65 million, UFA 2025 versus Ehlers at $6 million, UFA 2025) and both are productive scorers. Boeser plays 2:32 more per game than Ehlers does, including over an extra minute of power-play time, and has scored a lot more: 62 points in 62 games compared to 42 points in 58 games. I can make every argument that the Jets are leaving a ton of offence on the board by limiting Ehlers' minutes but the fact is that they limit Ehlers' minutes. If Boeser is the type of player whom they'd entrust to the Connor/Scheifele duo they seem married to, it would be a net win. It would also help the Canucks make up for their selection of Jake Virtanen three spots ahead of Winnipeg at the 2014 draft And yet another Minnesotan somehow seems very Winnipeg.

The potential trade of Boeser and Ehlers, two highly skilled forwards, hinges on several factors. Boeser has proven to be a consistent scorer with 62 points in 62 games, while Ehlers, despite being limited in ice time, has managed 42 points in 58 games. The difference in their playing styles is also a significant consideration. Boeser, a bigger player with a one-shot scoring profile, contrasts with Ehlers' speed and dynamic transitional play.

Thomas Drance's take:
The big difference between Boeser and Ehlers, really, is stylistic. Boeser is the bigger player with more of a one-shot scoring profile — somewhat more like Gabriel Vilardi — while Ehlers is the faster skater with a more dynamic transitional profile. Importantly, Boeser persistently earns top-line ice time from his coaches and has been trusted to play against tough matchups by multiple head coaches. That's in sharp contrast with Ehlers' usage across multiple coaching staffs in Winnipeg.

Drance's analysis highlights the trust factor that Boeser has earned from his coaches, consistently being placed in top-line situations and facing tough matchups. Ehlers, on the other hand, has not received the same level of trust, leading to limited minutes despite his evident skill and speed. This disparity in usage could be a crucial factor in the decision-making process for both teams.

Canucks management value speed significantly, and on truth serum, might see Ehlers as a better stylistic fit for how they want to play in an ideal world. That said, Boeser leads all Canucks forwards in ice time, and that trust factor, especially given the stakes of this season for an upstart Vancouver organization, would probably cause the Canucks to avoid trading a comparable piece for another one. Canucks probably say «No» here, but after some meaningful consideration.

In conclusion, while the proposed trade could theoretically benefit both teams by addressing specific needs and playing styles, the Canucks' reliance on Boeser and the trust he has garnered from multiple coaching staffs make it unlikely for Vancouver to part ways with him. The Jets might see an advantage in acquiring Boeser, but convincing the Canucks to agree to the deal appears to be a challenging prospect.