NHL Rumors: Insider makes bold claim on Winnipeg Jets’ $42,000,000 star’s future amid trade speculation
The Winnipeg Jets may face a tough decision regarding forward Nikolaj Ehlers, given their plans to upgrade the roster this offseason. Insider Jason Gregor discussed this situation on “The Jason Gregor Show” on July 8, noting that Ehlers is entering the final year of his current $42 million deal.
“If the Jets want to get quicker or remain one of the faster teams, trading Nikolaj is tricky,” Gregor said. “He is a guy who, when healthy, can score 30 goals. He is very hard to replace, but he could be a good trade piece if you are looking for a top-four defenseman if that’s indeed what Kevin Cheveldayoff is looking for.”
Ehlers had a strong 2023-24 season, recording 25 goals and 61 points in 82 games. However, his career has been marred by several injury-shortened seasons. The Jets must decide whether Ehlers is worth keeping or trading now to create cap room.
“To me, having seen what happened last year and hearing what Kevin Cheveldayoff said at the draft, it doesn’t seem like they are too interested in moving him,” Gregor added.
If the Jets decide to keep Ehlers, they will likely need to find another contract to move. Gregor concluded:
“Nikolaj Ehlers has not indicated that he wants to leave the organization either. So, I think he gets extended this offseason.”
The challenge will be finding the right term and dollar value to keep Ehlers with the Winnipeg Jets for the foreseeable future.
Predicting Nikolaj Ehlers’ new contract with
the Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets signed Nikolaj Ehlers to a seven-year deal in 2017 with a $6 million average annual value (AAV) following his back-to-back 60-point seasons. However, since signing the contract, Ehlers has only managed to surpass 60 points once.
As Ehlers enters the final year of his current deal, the question arises: What contract do the Winnipeg Jets offer Nikolaj Ehlers next? Considering his age, Ehlers might look for a four-year deal. The dollar value, however, presents a challenge. He is no longer seen as a $6 million player. A more feasible option for the Jets could be extending the contract to a five-year deal with an AAV of around $4 million.
There is always the possibility that Ehlers decides to test the free agent market next summer. Unless he can post another 60-point season, it is unlikely he will secure another deal close to $6 million per season.
Both the Jets and Ehlers likely aim to reach an agreement sooner rather than later. If both parties are committed to staying together, it would be beneficial to finalize a deal quickly. This would allow the Jets to have a clear understanding of their salary cap structure beyond the upcoming season.