Report: Nikolaj Ehlers On Trade Radar Of This Eastern Team
Nikolaj Ehlers is one of the main trade candidates for the 2024 NHL offseason. The Danish winger is being shopped by the Jets and does not want to sign an extension in Winnipeg. As the offseason looms, more and more suitors for the 2025 free agent will begin playing their hands. Demand is unsurprisingly large as he put up more than 60 points in limited middle-six minutes. As of now, we do know one of the teams that could be in the mix.
It is none other than the New York Islanders. Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reported that Lou Lamoriello has inquired about Ehlers’ availability. On paper, the fit and demand from the Isles make a lot of sense. Despite having three 30-goal scorers on the roster last season, they missed a potent scoring punch at times. Their lack of firepower was exposed against the Carolina Hurricanes in their second consecutive playoff meeting. Patrick Roy’s squad was not able to keep up with the Canes’ scoring outbursts at different moments of the five-game series.
What Do You Give To Get?
At the time of writing, the Islanders currently have just under $6.6 million in cap space. Obviously, Lamoriello would need to be creative to fit his $6 million cap hit. Many fans have pointed to defenseman Ryan Pulock as one of the most logical pieces for a return. The 29-year-old is a Manitoba native and would compliment Josh Morrissey on the Jets’ top pairing. Fans assume that a one-for-one swap makes sense for both sides. Furthermore, the picks that the Isles have on hand for this year’s draft could be used to address other areas of the team. Moving out other salaries like JG Pageau or Anders Lee will require sweeteners. Adding a first or second-round pick will help make cap dumps more attainable.
At worst, Ehlers would play on the second line for Roy. His speed and playmaking would add a needed element to this forward group as they push to keep this window open. He would also compliment the duo of Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat strongly, and create the first bonafide top line on Long Island in decades. It’s also interesting to consider where Russian free agent Maxim Tsyplakov will fit into the equation. The 30-goal scorer in the KHL was sought after by many teams but landed with the Islanders weeks ago.
Nikolaj Ehlers is a target for many teams once trade season comes around. A strong link to the New York Islanders is now something else to consider.
