With one trade pitch, the Detroit Red Wings may acquire a star forward as their reconstruction draws to a close.
Users can design their own deals using the PuckGM tool on the website PuckPedia. A user put forth a trade that would see the Winnipeg Jets trade Nikolaj Ehlers to the Red Wings.
Red Wings acquire: Nikolaj Ehlers, who kept $3 million
Jets acquire: Brandsegg-Nygard Michael Elmer Soderblom
The proposed trade would be a major move, with Detroit acquiring Ehlers, who could serve as a top-six forward for the Red Wings. Meanwhile, the Jets would receive two prospects to help initiate a rebuild.
Ehlers is entering the final year of his seven-year, $42 million contract. If Winnipeg falls out of playoff contention, he would become a prime trade target before the deadline. At 28, Ehlers could fit as a middle-six forward for Detroit and provide lineup insurance in case Lucas Raymond remains unsigned.
Last season with Winnipeg, Ehlers tallied 25 goals and 36 assists, totaling 61 points in 82 games. Over his NHL career, he has played in 605 games, amassing 201 goals and 256 assists for a total of 457 points.
In exchange, Winnipeg would receive Brandsegg-Nygard, who was selected 15th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. The forward spent last season playing in Europe, where he recorded 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points.
Soderblom, picked in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, has already made his NHL debut. He played 21 games during the 2022-23 season, contributing 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. With the Jets, he could become a regular NHL player again.
Ehlers on Trade Block
Ehlers has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason. The skilled forward is entering the final year of his contract, and Winnipeg could secure a significant return if they choose to trade him.
NHL insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period ranked Ehlers third on his summer trade watch list. Pagnotta also reported that Ehlers would be open to a trade from Winnipeg.
“The 28-year-old Dane is set to earn $6.75 million in salary for the 2024-25 season, although his cap hit is $6 million. He has a 10-team no-trade list. While he hasn’t requested a trade, reports from Winnipeg suggest he would welcome one,” Pagnotta noted on June 5.
According to a source close to the Jets, Ehlers is not looking to sign a contract extension, which is why Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring trade possibilities, Pagnotta added.
Ehlers has played his entire NHL career with the Jets, having been drafted ninth overall in 2014.
Red Wings GM Believes Team Can Compete for Playoff Spot
Detroit has missed the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, undergoing a rebuilding phase. After narrowly missing out on the postseason in the 2024-25 campaign, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman remains optimistic about his team’s chances of competing for a playoff spot.
“I believe we’re in that group of teams with a shot at the playoffs,” Yzerman said. “If we stay healthy, our goaltending holds up, and players exceed expectations, we could make it. Or we might just miss by a point in the final game.”
“That’s the fine line,” Yzerman continued. “When I compare the current roster to last year’s, it’s a bit different. It might be a better fit in terms of player roles within the lineup.”
Detroit begins its 2024-25 season at home on October 10, facing the Pittsburgh Penguins.
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