Could the Winnipeg Jets Soon Trade Nikolaj Ehlers?
The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner reported on Friday the Carolina Hurricanes were “pushing heavily” to acquire Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets. Ehlers, 28, frequently surfaced as a trade candidate in recent weeks based on speculation he was reluctant to sign a contract extension. He has a year remaining on his contract with the Jets, carrying a $6-million cap hit and a modified no-trade clause.
Rosner believes it makes sense for the Hurricanes to pursue Ehlers after trading Jake Guentzel to Tampa Bay rather than lose him to free agency on July 1. Forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Stefan Noesen also departed as free agents. The Hurricanes are also still dealing with Martin Necas.
The 25-year-old forward’s unhappiness with his third-line winger role sparked speculation he could be traded this summer. However, Guentzel’s departure could have them thinking twice about moving Necas, who filed for salary arbitration on Friday. Rosner believes the Jets are hoping clubs that failed to address their need for a scoring winger will come calling for Ehlers.
He also thinks the Hurricanes could win a bidding war if they offer up Necas. Adam Proteau considers Ehlers a high-value trade target that’ll draw many suitors. It was reported the Jets were willing to entertain offers for the Danish winger leading up to the recent NHL draft. Following the draft, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff praised Ehlers, calling him a big part of his team. Nevertheless, Proteau isn’t ruling out Cheveldayoff peddling the winger for a return that helps the Jets.
As for the Hurricanes, they have over $11.8 million in salary cap space, more than enough to absorb Ehlers’ cap hit. However, Necas and fellow RFAs Seth Jarvis and Jack Drury must be re-signed. A new contract for Necas or Jarvis could eat over half of that cap space, leaving no room to take on Ehlers’s full cap hit without sending the Jets a salaried player in return.
