Winnipeg Jets Exploring Blockbuster Trade Options With Rival Teams
The Winnipeg Jets are pushing hard to remain at the top of the NHL standings and subsequent deep playoff run, and they may be looking at further trade options.
There's some uncertainty regarding the future of Nikolaj Ehlers with the Winnipeg Jets, as the team must determine whether to extend his contract or examine other options.
The Winnipeg Jets do need a centerman, which might affect their strategy in terms of roster moves.
Recently, Murat Ates of The Athletic answered mailbag questions regarding Ehlers' situation and named four ways the situation could turn out.
There's a 70% chance that Ehlers will no longer be with the Jets
He estimated a five percent chance the Jets extend Ehlers in the season, a 25 percent chance in the offseason, another 25 percent chance that he's traded before the deadline, and a 45 percent chance that he ultimately walks as a free agent.
Whether or not the Jets ultimately move him at the deadline may depend on what kind of return they can muster. Of course, Ryan O'Reilly is still an option for any team needing center depth.
- Murat Ates
Ehlers has two seasons remaining on his deal and an awfully manageable $4.5 million cap hit.
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Murat Ates also noted that Mathew Barzal or Elias Pettersson could become available via trade, but that's purely speculative at this point.
Still, with the Jets continually having to try pretty hard to attract elite free agents, it's perhaps logical that they might seek a big trade.
Of course, of the centers, should the New York Islanders decide to move one out, it might be more likely that Brock Nelson moves rather than Barzal.
- Murat Ates
Keeping that in mind, the Jets might want to pursue a center like Nelson, O'Reilly, or even Jonathan Toews. They might also want to try to acquire an even pricier defenseman to get themselves to the next level.
