Trade rumors have started to pick up surrounding speedy winger Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets. There are going to be a good deal of suitors gunning for him this summer if a deal cannot be struck on a contract extension. Murat Ates of The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5470099/2024/05/15/nikolaj-ehlers-trade-destinations-winnipeg-jets/] thinks that Ehlers could become trade bait if an agreement on a contract extension isn't reached. He has one year left on his deal at $6 million AAV with a 10-team no-trade list. According to the Winnipeg Sun's Scott Billeck [https://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-mailbag-expected-return-on-ehlers-dylan-or-dillon-retire-byfugliens-number], Ehlers could use him as trade bait by the Jets to acquire a top-four defenseman as there is now a need there. The Chicago Blackhawks don't have the top-four defenseman to offer, but they do have draft picks and prospects that could be sent instead. The Jets could just proceed to go after one of the top defensive targets in free agency with the money. There are some good options available. Chicago GM Kyle Davidson has said he's open to trading draft assets in the right circumstances. See video. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson talks about the possibility of trading draft picks. The unique situation about the Blackhawks acquiring Ehlers as opposed to a team in contention is that Chicago is trying to bring in hard-working, skilled players to play with or close to Connor Bedard. Taylor Hall should be healthy next season after ACL surgery. Hall's loss was big for Bedard on the wing in 2023-24, but Ehlers is just as skilled and just 28 years old. In seven of his nine seasons in the NHL, he has scored 20 goals, reaching 25 five times. Ehlers has also recorded 50+ points five times and 60+ three times. Ehlers has done very well against Chicago in his career, scoring 10 goals and 24 points in 30 games. The only team he's produced more points against in his career is the Colorado Avalanche (26). The Blackhawks aren't looking to bring in anyone signed long-term. This is why Ehlers, with one year left on his deal at the same cap hit as Hall, is the perfect target. He might cost a bit to acquire, but the Blackhawks have a lot of assets —and cap space short term — and it would be worth it to add another offensive piece to help the team take a step forward and closer to competing. If the Blackhawks are on Ehlers' 10-team no-trade list, then this nulls any potential trade. If not and Chicago manage to pull something off, Ehlers is going to be counted on even more throughout the season. The Blackhawks are still rebuilding, but not at an early stage anymore. The team is introducing young players, but also want to build confidence and have a more successful season than just 23 wins. This would be a good start. RECENT BLACKHAWKS NEWS Two Former Blackhawks — Artemi Panarin and Gustav Forsling — Lead Teams to Conference Finals [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/2-former-blackhawks-lead-teams-to-conference-finals] Former Blackhawk Corey Perry's Season, Career Could End With Him in the Press Box [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/former-blackhawk-corey-perrys-season-career-could-end-with-him-in-the-press-box] Blackhawks Petr Mrazek, Lukas Reichel Have Big Days At IIHF World Championship [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-petr-mrazek-lukas-reichel-have-big-days-at-iihf-world-championship] Early Chicago Blackhawks' 2024 Offseason Predictions: Connor Bedard Wins Calder And... [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/early-chicago-blackhawks-2024-offseason-predictions-connor-bedard-wins-calder-and]
