Winnipeg Jets Could Become Sellers As Playoff Hopes Fade

With the March 21 NHL trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Winnipeg Jets sit seven points out of the final Western Conference wild-card berth. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff could become a seller if his club fails to gain ground.

Trade candidates could include players slated for unrestricted free agent status this summer. Jeff Hamilton of the Winnipeg Free Press indicated most of the trade speculation involves forwards Paul Stastny and Andrew Copp.

Copp, 27, could draw interest from playoff contenders seeking a versatile, two-way forward. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman proposed the Colorado Avalanche as a potential destination while The Athletic's Jonas Siegel recently suggested Copp would be an intriguing option for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 36-year-old Stastny is past his prime but he's tallied a respectable 17 goals and 29 points in 46 games this season. He could garner attention from contenders looking for experienced depth up front.

Meanwhile, the Jets' ongoing decline since their 114-point peak in 2017-18 has some observers wondering if a shakeup of their core might be necessary. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli believes that conversation must start with Mark Scheifele. 

In a Feb. 28 mailbag segment, The Athletic's Murat Ates was asked if this season could be the 28-year-old Scheifele's last with the Jets. He didn't rule it out but noted he still has two seasons remaining on his contract. Ates believes that decision will have to be made by no later than next summer.

If Cheveldayoff is considering moving a core player it isn't likely to happen at the trade deadline given the limited salary cap space of most teams at this point in the season. Scheifele's future with the Jets could become fodder for offseason speculation.