Rumors about the Winnipeg Jets potentially trading Nikolaj Ehlers this offseason have been circulating, influenced by various factors including the day and even the direction of the wind. Among the teams mentioned are the New York Rangers, but they don’t need another left winger and would struggle to accommodate Ehlers’ $6 million salary without the Jets retaining some of it and possibly involving Kaapo Kakko in the trade.
The Rangers, therefore, don’t seem like a suitable match. However, one of their Metropolitan Division rivals might be a better fit. Recent speculation suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes could be interested in Ehlers, who will become an unrestricted free agent after next season. The Hurricanes have faced significant losses this summer, including forwards Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Stefan Noesen, as well as defensemen Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei.
Additionally, restricted free agent Martin Necas, who has sought arbitration, has shown a desire to be traded. Given these circumstances, the Hurricanes might be in need of a skilled goal scorer and seasoned player like Ehlers. Necas, who is three years younger than Ehlers, could potentially be a valuable part of a trade deal.
Rangers rival could benefit by acquiring Nikolaj Ehlers in trade
The gap between the Rangers and the Hurricanes has widened this offseason. After finishing three points ahead of the Hurricanes and leading the NHL overall, the Rangers have had a relatively quiet offseason. They’re mostly retaining their roster that won the Presidents’ Trophy for the 2023-24 season. They’ve added forward Reilly Smith from the Pittsburgh Penguins, signed free-agent center Sam Carrick, and re-signed RFAs Kaapo Kakko and Braden Schneider, along with UFA defenseman Chad Ruhwedel. However, they lost Erik Gustafsson, Alex Wennberg, and Jack Roslovic to free agency and still need to finalize a deal with defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who has a salary arbitration hearing on August 2. Overall, the Rangers remain a strong Stanley Cup contender with minimal changes.
In contrast, the Hurricanes have seen a decline both offensively and defensively, despite adding free agents Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere. This is after being eliminated by the Rangers in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in three years.
With $13.857 million in projected cap space, the Hurricanes have room to make a move. If they trade for Nikolaj Ehlers, it would be wise to retain Martin Necas, assuming Necas’s trade request isn’t an issue. Trading Necas for Ehlers might not be ideal, especially if Ehlers becomes a UFA next offseason.
Ehlers is a reliable 25-goal, 60-point player, having scored 201 goals and 457 points in 605 games with the Jets. Last season, all 25 of his goals were at even strength. He might exceed 30 goals if given more power-play opportunities with the Hurricanes.
Unless there’s a surprise availability of Mitchell Marner, Ehlers is likely the top player available who could enhance a team in need of a boost after a challenging offseason. While Ehlers might not shift the balance of power in the division, his addition could improve the Hurricanes’ standing and their chances of making the playoffs for a seventh consecutive year.
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