The Jets should hold on to Ehlers unless…
Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun: Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers has had his name come up in the rumor mill this offseason. There are confirmed reports that GM has/had been shopping him around the league.
Billeck believes that trading Ehlers would be regrettable.
He hasn’t scored in his past 21 games but at 23-years old he’s still a proven commodity that can play in the top-six.
TSN had the Carolina Hurricanes as one team that could be interested in Ehlers. He’s also been connected to the Buffalo Sabres and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Unless the Jets were able to get a good, young potential top-pairing defenseman, they are better off keeping him.
Some unrestricted free agents and their best matches
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: Finding the best matches for some of the remaining unrestricted free agents.
Joe Thornton – San Jose Sharks: Could be a one-year deal worth whatever cap space is left.
Patrick Marleau – Arizona Coyotes: Hard to the see the Sharks bringing Marleau back to take away ice time from the younger guys. He wants to stay out west.
Thomas Vanek – Edmonton Oilers: GM Ken Holland has had him in Detroit and the Oilers need some offensive help.
Jason Pominville – Philadelphia Flyers: A veteran insurance option on the right side for the Flyers.
Brian Boyle – Pittsburgh Penguins: Replaces veteran Matt Cullen. Good on the draw and has a physical presence.
Justin Williams – Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes should be the last team Williams plays for.
Jake Gardiner – Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres somehow have cap issues and would likely need to clear some cap space.
Niklas Kronwall – Toronto Maple Leafs: Likely going to be the Red Wings or not playing this season. If he’d play somewhere else, a reunion with Mike Babcock on a cheap deal might be possible.
Dion Phaneuf – Vegas Golden Knights: Could sign a bargain deal as he’s getting paid by the LA Kings as well.