Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets has been the subject of trade rumors, particularly with his contract entering its final year. One trade pitch, proposed by a user on the PuckPedia website’s new PuckGM tool, involves the Detroit Red Wings acquiring Ehlers.
This proposal highlights the ongoing speculation and interest in Ehlers as a valuable addition to teams looking to bolster their forward lines. As the season progresses, the Jets may explore options for Ehlers, especially if they are unable to reach a new agreement with him.
Red Wings get:
Nikolaj Ehlers
The Jets get:
Jonatan Berggren
Dmitri Buchelnikov
2025 first-round pick
2026 second-round pick
The proposed trade between the Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets involving Nikolaj Ehlers would see the Red Wings acquiring Ehlers in exchange for two prospects and two draft picks. Ehlers, known for his scoring ability, would boost Detroit’s offense, likely slotting into the second line and pushing Vladimir Tarasenko to the third line, further strengthening their forward depth. Ehlers tallied 25 goals and 36 assists for 61 points in 82 games last season.
For the Jets, the deal would provide valuable assets for their rebuild, including a first and second-round draft pick. Additionally, they would receive Jonatan Berggren, a 2018 second-round pick who has recorded 34 points in 79 NHL games. At 24, Berggren has the potential to be a solid middle-six forward for Winnipeg. This trade could address the immediate needs of both teams, with Detroit enhancing their scoring options and Winnipeg gaining future assets and a promising young player.
In the proposed blockbuster trade between the Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets, along with Jonatan Berggren, the Jets would also receive Dmitri Buchelnikov. Buchelnikov was selected 52nd overall by Detroit in the 2022 NHL Draft and has yet to sign his entry-level contract. Last season, he played in the KHL, recording 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points. Buchelnikov’s potential adds another promising asset to the Jets’ rebuild, bringing a blend of youth and skill that could benefit their roster in the long term.
Ehlers Welcomes a Change of Scenery From Jets
Nikolaj Ehlers, a mainstay for the Winnipeg Jets since being selected ninth overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, is entering the final year of his seven-year contract. Trade rumors have swirled around Ehlers, with David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reporting that Ehlers is not interested in signing a contract extension with the Jets and would welcome a trade.
“According to a well-placed source close to the Jets, Ehlers is not interested in signing a contract extension with the club and that is primarily why Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring his options via the trade market,” Pagnotta wrote on June 5. “He owns a 10-team no-trade list and word out of Winnipeg is that while he has not requested a trade, he would welcome a move.”
This stance by Ehlers has prompted the Jets to consider trading him to acquire assets that can aid in their rebuilding process. The proposed trade with the Detroit Red Wings, involving prospects Jonatan Berggren and Dmitri Buchelnikov along with first and second-round draft picks, aligns with Winnipeg’s strategy to build for the future while giving Detroit a skilled forward to boost their current roster.
Although Ehlers has no plans to sign an extension with the Jets, Winnipeg has still yet to trade him.
Red Wings Bolstered Offense in Free Agency
The Detroit Red Wings narrowly missed the playoffs last season and have since focused on bolstering their offense to improve their chances of making it next year. Key moves included re-signing future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane to a one-year, $6.5 million deal, and inking two-time Stanley Cup champion forward Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year, $9.5 million deal.
With these additions, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman expressed confidence in the team’s potential to compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
“I think we’re in with that group of teams that has a chance to compete for the playoffs,” Yzerman said on July 4. “If we stay healthy, if our goaltending is good and players outplay your expectations, we might get in. Or you might just miss by a point on the last game of the season. That’s the fine line of it all. I look at the roster today and compare it to last year’s group; it’s a little bit different. It might be a little bit better fit as far as roles for players where they sit on the roster today.”
Acquiring Nikolaj Ehlers would further enhance Detroit’s offensive capabilities. Ehlers, with his proven scoring ability, would fit well into the Red Wings’ top-six forward group, potentially pushing Tarasenko to the third line and deepening the team’s offensive depth. This move, combined with their offseason acquisitions, positions Detroit as a strong contender for a playoff spot in the 2024-25 season.
