May 17, 2024 | 3:38pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

EHLERS COULD BE ON THE TRADE BLOCK

Nikolaj Ehlers, forward

The Winnipeg Jets are still trying to firm up their head coaching position after Rick Bowness announced his retirement earlier this month, but that hasn’t stopped speculation over possible roster decisions looming for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

With just over $13.3 million in salary cap space for the 2024-25 season, the Jets have some flexibility in reshaping parts of their roster this summer.

The Jets have five skaters eligible to become unrestricted free agents July 1 in forwards Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan and defencemen Dylan DeMelo, Brenden Dillon and Colin Miller, as well as goaltenders Laurent Brossoit and Collin Delia.

One player starting to make the rounds is star winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who has one more year left on his contract and comes with a $6 million cap hit. The 28-year-old is set to earn $6.75 million in actual salary next season and also owns a 10-team no-trade list as part of his contract.

Multiple reports have already suggested the Jets will explore the trade market on Ehlers and could look to move him for a defenceman, as Cheveldayoff is believed to be interested in bolstering his defensive corps this off-season.

According to The Athletic, the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes and Utah are among the teams that could be a fit for Ehlers.

In 82 games with the Jets this past season, Ehlers registered 25 goals and 36 assists for 61 points.