Nikolaj Ehlers makes sense for Boston
Let’s say the Bruins decide to move a defenseman. What exactly would they want or need in return?
One of the biggest question marks this season for Boston is at second line right wing. The Bruins need to find somebody to consistently play alongside David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk.
Karson Kuhlman started there, but then Bruce Cassidy tried Brett Ritchie in that spot. Both players probably aren’t long-term solutions.
Nikolaj Ehlers is a Jets player who could fit in with Krejci and DeBrusk. Ehlers is a left shot, but he plays the right wing. He skates well and has great hands, and he’s only 23 years old.
Ehlers is a more than capable goal scorer. He scored 21 goals in only 62 games last season. He had 29 and 25 in the two years before. Ehlers is a solid five on five player, and he can play on the power play.
The Jets may find Ehlers expendable given their depth up front. Connor and Laine signed new extensions, and Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele are locked up as well. If Winnipeg wants to add a capable defender, Ehlers seems like the odd man out.
Ehlers has a cap hit of $6 million until the 2024-2025 season. The Bruins would need to send money back to Winnipeg to make any deal work.
Boston and Winnipeg could work around a Krug-Ehlers swap. Krug, even without an extension, may have more value than Ehlers, but Winnipeg could add picks or prospects.
The Bruins could also try to entice Winnipeg with Lauzon or Vaakanainen as the centerpiece of a trade. Or, if the Jets prefer someone with more experience, Grzelcyk could be an option.
Either way, the Bruins and Jets seem to have what the other team needs. Winnipeg needs some help on defense, and Boston could use someone like Ehlers in the top six. Winnipeg, let’s talk trade.