Nikolaj Ehlers, a forward for the Winnipeg Jets, has recently been a focus of trade speculation, with one notable proposal involving a potential move to the Detroit Red Wings. Ehlers is in the final year of his seven-year, $42 million contract, and this summer has seen him increasingly mentioned as a candidate for trade. The website PuckPedia, which features a new tool called PuckGM allowing users to suggest trades, has seen a proposal where the Red Wings would acquire Ehlers.
The proposed trade would see the Red Wings receiving Ehlers, while the Jets would get Jonatan Berggren, Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick. This trade would involve Detroit gaining Ehlers in exchange for two prospects and two future draft picks.
Adding Ehlers to the Red Wings’ lineup would significantly enhance their scoring capabilities. Projected to join the second line, Ehlers would allow Vladimir Tarasenko to move to the third line, potentially improving the team’s overall offensive strength. Last season, Ehlers scored 25 goals and provided 36 assists, totaling 61 points in 82 games.
For the Jets, this trade would provide valuable assets for their rebuilding process. They would receive a first and a second-round draft pick, along with Jonatan Berggren, who was drafted 33rd overall in 2018 and has played 79 NHL games, tallying 34 points. Additionally, Dmitri Buchelnikov, selected 52nd overall by Detroit in 2022, would be part of the deal. Though Buchelnikov has yet to sign his entry-level deal, he played in the KHL last season, amassing 13 goals and 16 assists.
Ehlers has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Jets, having been picked ninth overall in 2014. However, with his contract ending and his lack of interest in an extension, he has become a key figure in trade discussions. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Ehlers is not keen on signing a new deal with Winnipeg and would be open to a trade. He has a 10-team no-trade list but has not formally requested a trade, though he would welcome a move.
Despite these developments, the Jets have not yet finalized a trade involving Ehlers. Meanwhile, the Red Wings, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season, have focused on strengthening their offense during the offseason. Key moves included re-signing Patrick Kane to a one-year deal and signing Vladimir Tarasenko for two years. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman expressed optimism about their playoff prospects, suggesting that with a few adjustments and some good fortune, Detroit could be in contention for a playoff spot next season. The Red Wings have not reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
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