Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers has been at the center of trade speculation, with one proposal suggesting the Detroit Red Wings could be interested in him. Ehlers is heading into the last year of his seven-year, $42 million contract, and he’s been a notable name in trade discussions this summer. The website PuckPedia recently introduced a feature called PuckGM, allowing users to design their own trades. One user used this tool to suggest a trade that would send Ehlers to the Red Wings.
In a proposed trade, the Red Wings would receive Nikolaj Ehlers from the Jets, while Detroit would send Jonatan Berggren, Dmitri Buchelnikov, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick to Winnipeg.
This major trade would bring Ehlers to the Red Wings, enhancing their scoring capabilities. He would likely slot into Detroit’s second line, which would shift Vladimir Tarasenko to the third line, potentially boosting their offensive depth. Last season, Ehlers notched 25 goals and 36 assists for a total of 61 points in 82 games.
For Winnipeg, this trade would provide valuable assets for their rebuilding efforts, including a first and second-round draft pick. They would also gain Jonatan Berggren, who was picked 33rd overall in the 2018 NHL draft. Berggren has played 79 NHL games, recording 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points and could become a key middle-six forward for the Jets. Additionally, Dmitri Buchelnikov, drafted 52nd overall by Detroit in 2022 and still unsigned, played in the KHL last season, scoring 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points.
Ehlers Welcomes a Change of Scenery From Jets
Nikolaj Ehlers has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Jets, having been selected ninth overall by Winnipeg in 2014. As he approaches the final year of his contract, he has become a focal point of trade speculation. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that Ehlers is not interested in signing an extension with the Jets and would be open to a trade.
Pagnotta noted on June 5 that, according to a reliable source close to the Jets, Ehlers is unwilling to agree to a new contract with the team, which is why Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring trade options. Ehlers holds a 10-team no-trade list, and while he has not formally requested a trade, he would be receptive to the idea of being moved.
Despite these trade rumors and Ehlers’ lack of interest in an extension, Winnipeg has yet to finalize a trade involving him.
Red Wings Bolstered Offense in Free Agency
Detroit narrowly missed the playoffs last season and has concentrated on bolstering its offense during the offseason.
The Red Wings’ major moves included re-signing future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane to a one-year, $6.5 million extension and signing two-time Stanley Cup champion Vladimir Tarasenko to a two-year, $9.5 million deal. Following these additions, general manager Steve Yzerman expressed optimism about Detroit’s playoff prospects for the upcoming season.
On July 4, Yzerman remarked, “I believe we’re among the teams that have a chance to compete for a playoff spot. If we stay healthy, if our goaltending performs well, and if players exceed expectations, we might make it. Alternatively, we could miss out by just a point on the final day of the season. It’s a narrow margin. When I compare this year’s roster to last year’s, it seems to be a better fit in terms of player roles.”
The Red Wings have not reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.
