2024/25 Trade Rumours, Speculation etc Thread

[Aries56]

I noticed some comments about moving Gabe. One thing I noticed is his ability to win board battles cleanly. He's strong down low and that skill was sorely missed in the games he didn't play vs the Blues.

The away games we lost, they controlled the boards and used that to control the game.

 

[DRW204]

• Is Nik Ehlers’ run in Winnipeg finally over? He’s a UFA this July and barring a major change of heart, all signs point to him hitting the market.

 

[Eyeseeing]

I think Ehlers is going to listen to offers and probably give Chevy last look.
He’d stay at right price.
I don’t blame him one bit

 

[Whileee]

I think Ehlers is going to listen to offers and probably give Chevy last look.
He’d stay at right price.
I don’t blame him one bit

It's unpredictable because free agency can become like musical chairs. If Ehlers is shopping then the Jets will probably be shopping too, so you can't really expect them to wait and keep their cap space open. Even if they can't replace him with a free agent, they might need to shop the trade market looking for a replacement.

My guess is that if Ehlers is interested in staying, the Jets will give their best offer and let Ehlers decide before free agency. If they can't agree, the Jets could look at trading his rights to another team to let them try to get a deal. That's how the Canes handled Guentzel last season (got a 3rd round pick for his negotiating rights).

 

[Royale With Cheese]

The math inside my head says there’s probably 5-6 teams that put in a UFA offer to Ehlers and maybe 0-1 UFA the Jets could get. The cards are stacked against us here unless Nik really wants to be here.

I think Nik is signing elsewhere and we’re going to be shocked at what he gets paid and likely be glad we didn’t offer that. I love the guy but I’m not sure he’s worth what he likely gets paid as an UFA.

 

[bustamente]

If Nik really really wanted to stay he would of signed already, pretty sure the plan all along was to go to free agency and then go where he wants to go for the most money. Nothing personal it's a business

 

[surixon]

If Nik really really wanted to stay he would of signed already, pretty sure the plan all along was to go to free agency and then go where he wants to go for the most money. Nothing personal it's a business

I agree. I feel the org would have already tabled its best offer by now. Given we've signed three pending UFA it's not like the org was holding off on signing players.

Also he's off to play for Denmark so likely not even partaking in exit media availability today to be asked about it.

 

[bustamente]

I agree. I feel the org would have already tabled its best offer by now. Given we've signed three pending UFA it's not like the org was holding off on signing players.

Also he's off to play for Denmark so likely not even partaking in exit media availability today to be asked about it.

He may leave for greener pastures and more money and that's his right but the thing that will bother Joe fan and ticket buyers will be the fact that he left with the Jets getting nothing in return. In all likelihood Chevy knew last off season that his chances of extending was slim and in all probability should of moved him then. We might have the same issue with KFC if we go into the upcoming season without an extension.

 

[surixon]

He may leave for greener pastures and more money and that's his right but the thing that will bother Joe fan and ticket buyers will be the fact that he left with the Jets getting nothing in return. In all likelihood Chevy knew last off season that his chances of extending was slim and in all probability should of moved him then. We might have the same issue with KFC if we go into the upcoming season without an extension.

KC should be his biggest priority this offseason.

 

[Buffdog]

He may leave for greener pastures and more money and that's his right but the thing that will bother Joe fan and ticket buyers will be the fact that he left with the Jets getting nothing in return. In all likelihood Chevy knew last off season that his chances of extending was slim and in all probability should of moved him then. We might have the same issue with KFC if we go into the upcoming season without an extension.

Jets didn't get nothing in return. They got his best years at a very reasonable cap hit, including a Presidents Trophy season

The next team he signs with will get a few years at a much higher cap hit, then declining years at the same cap hit

 

[WaveRaven]

Letting Ehlers walk to free agency is poor management. There is no way to replace him via FA. He should have been moved for a need a least a year ago.

 

[bustamente]

Jets didn't get nothing in return. They got his best years at a very reasonable cap hit, including a Presidents Trophy season

The next team he signs with will get a few years at a much higher cap hit, then declining years at the same cap hit

Average fans wont see it this way, they see a player in his prime leaving a team that can't attract players of his abilities for no return.

 

[Buffdog]

Average fans wont see it this way, they see a player in his prime leaving a team that can't attract players of his abilities for no return.

Does that make me an above average fan or a below average fan

 

[surixon]

Jets didn't get nothing in return. They got his best years at a very reasonable cap hit, including a Presidents Trophy season

The next team he signs with will get a few years at a much higher cap hit, then declining years at the same cap hit

Yeah it always amazes me that people just focus on trade returns as far as asset management.

If he leaves they still got a decade of service at a very reasonable cap hit. That is worth a lot.

They also get his cap space back which is also value in itself.

 

[scelaton]

If Nik really really wanted to stay he would of signed already, pretty sure the plan all along was to go to free agency and then go where he wants to go for the most money. Nothing personal it's a business

Yes, but it is likely not just about the money.
Add to that: opportunity to play as first line winger, preferably on a contending team, proximity to family (shorter, direct flights to Denmark), compatibility with coaches/players/owner/city (team and franchise fit).

Nik has been a loyal Jet but now is in a very strong position to dictate his future. Teams that could potentially fulfill most of the above (off the top of my head, not looking at rosters or cap) are Boston, Phil, NY, Mtl, Wash. Winnipeg gives him a better shot at winning over the short term, but we undervalued him for too long, which no doubt set in motion this path to UFA.

The other factor that works against his re-signing here is that, while he appears to be in good health atm, Chevy is probably more cognizant than other GMs of the risk of future injury and thus will not "pay him whatever it takes" as some here are suggesting.

I get it all, but it still makes me sad. If we lose Nik, we lose a lot.

 

[bustamente]

Yes, but it is likely not just about the money.
Add to that: opportunity to play as first line winger, preferably on a contending team, proximity to family (shorter, direct flights to Denmark), compatibility with coaches/players/owner/city (team and franchise fit).

Nik has been a loyal Jet but now is in a very strong situation to dictate his future. Teams that could potentially fulfill most of the above (off the top of my head, not looking at rosters or cap) are Boston, Phil, NY, Mtl, Wash. Winnipeg gives him a better shot at winning over the short term, but we undervalued him for too long time, which no doubt set in motion this path to UFA.

The other factor that works against his re-signing here is that, while he appears to be in good health atm, Chevy is probably more cognizant than other GMs of the risk of future injury and thus will not "pay him whatever it takes" as some here are suggesting.

I get it all, but it still makes me sad. If we lose Nik, we lose a lot.

Sure it's possible that Nik chasing money might not be the deciding factor of where he ends up but it seems for the majority of athletes it is all about the most money for as many years possible. You see it everyday in all sports.

 

[10Ducky10]

Nik has never scored more than 64 points and had 63 points this season.
People expect him to get 7 x 10m?

 

[Weezeric]

Did Ehlers actually turn it around in the playoffs?

He had the same amount of 5v5 points as JAD, Barron, Fleury, Lowry….

 

[surixon]

Did Ehlers actually turn it around in the playoffs?

He had the same amount of 5v5 points as JAD, Barron, Fleury, Lowry….

It's an interesting question. I'd argue Cole looked just as good when he was in that elevated role in round one while Ehlers was out. So maybe it's more role based in terms of performance.

 

[Huffer]

This is just my opinion as to how I might approach the offseason if I was Chevy. That being said, I think they have done a very good job putting this team together.

Here is where I would start, with the guys I'm considering as the "written in pen" types:

Connor - Scheifele - Vilardi
A - B - Perfetti
C - Lowry - D
E - F - G

There are lot's of internal options for all the un named spots. And honestly, I do expect 99% to be internal. I'm just starting from a blank slate, maybe a more "wishful" perspective.

A - Options: Ehlers, or internal options like Iafallo or Lambert, or possibly go out and get a UFA. I hope something can be worked out with Ehlers.

B - We're not unique in the NHL looking to get a top 6 centre. They are hard to find. I don't think signing a UFA is super realistic. It's most likely that Names is in this spot again next year. The other potential option is looking for a team looking to pivot to a rebuild. In a pie in the sky, not going to happen example, a team like the Islanders who might want to trade players for picks and prospects and a guy like Barzal or Horvat becomes available, etc.

C - Most likely looking at Nino in this spot and he'd been a good fit, but age is starting to creep up. At some point the team may want to start looking at putting more offense on this line to go along with Lowry. So most likely Nino, but possibly Iafallo as well. Very outside chance of a UFA here IMO.

D - Even without the recent miss from Appleton, I was always of the opinion that his salary in 2025 would be hard to afford. And with Iafallo signed, I'm not sure if extending Appleton is the best use of cap space. Other options in this spot include Rashevsky, Chibrikov, Lambert, or Barron.

E F G - These spots IMO are up for grabs and it depends if anything changes in the top 3 to see who is available. If someone is brought in to replace Names at 2C then Names would be excellent as position F. Although that is not super likely so I can see Barron being a good starting point for F (with Gus as a backup). E and G also depend on what happens above. If another top 6 winger or two are brought in, that could move Iafallo down. Or you could possibly try a Chibrikov here as well.


Morrissey - H
Samberg - Pionk
I - J

H - 99.99% it's Demelo here, just not putting him there from the perspective of, if there was someone available that would be an upgrade that the Jets could acquire, it might be a good position to upgrade.

I - Stanley and Heinola are signed. It doesn't seem like Heinola has much confidence from the coaches, and Stanley is well documented. Signing Fleury and moving on from one of the others might be an idea.

J - We have both Schenn and Miller signed and Salo waiting in the wings. Depending on how TC shakes out, or how the management group graded Salo, I'd probably look to move Schenn ($), and run Salo and Miller there next year. We have to see if Salo can take the reins.

 

[surixon]

This is just my opinion as to how I might approach the offseason if I was Chevy. That being said, I think they have done a very good job putting this team together.

Here is where I would start, with the guys I'm considering as the "written in pen" types:

Connor - Scheifele - Vilardi
A - B - Perfetti
C - Lowry - D
E - F - G

There are lot's of internal options for all the un named spots. And honestly, I do expect 99% to be internal. I'm just starting from a blank slate, maybe a more "wishful" perspective.

A - Options: Ehlers, or internal options like Iafallo or Lambert, or possibly go out and get a UFA. I hope something can be worked out with Ehlers.

B - We're not unique in the NHL looking to get a top 6 centre. They are hard to find. I don't think signing a UFA is super realistic. It's most likely that Names is in this spot again next year. The other potential option is looking for a team looking to pivot to a rebuild. In a pie in the sky, not going to happen example, a team like the Islanders who might want to trade players for picks and prospects and a guy like Barzal or Horvat becomes available, etc.

C - Most likely looking at Nino in this spot and he'd been a good fit, but age is starting to creep up. At some point the team may want to start looking at putting more offense on this line to go along with Lowry. So most likely Nino, but possibly Iafallo as well. Very outside chance of a UFA here IMO.

D - Even without the recent miss from Appleton, I was always of the opinion that his salary in 2025 would be hard to afford. And with Iafallo signed, I'm not sure if extending Appleton is the best use of cap space. Other options in this spot include Rashevsky, Chibrikov, Lambert, or Barron.

E F G - These spots IMO are up for grabs and it depends if anything changes in the top 3 to see who is available. If someone is brought in to replace Names at 2C then Names would be excellent as position F. Although that is not super likely so I can see Barron being a good starting point for F (with Gus as a backup). E and G also depend on what happens above. If another top 6 winger or two are brought in, that could move Iafallo down. Or you could possibly try a Chibrikov here as well.


Morrissey - H
Samberg - Pionk
I - J

H - 99.99% it's Demelo here, just not putting him there from the perspective of, if there was someone available that would be an upgrade that the Jets could acquire, it might be a good position to upgrade.

I - Stanley and Heinola are signed. It doesn't seem like Heinola has much confidence from the coaches, and Stanley is well documented. Signing Fleury and moving on from one of the others might be an idea.

J - We have both Schenn and Miller signed and Salo waiting in the wings. Depending on how TC shakes out, or how the management group graded Salo, I'd probably look to move Schenn ($), and run Salo and Miller there next year. We have to see if Salo can take the reins.

My guess if Fly is gone they move Cole back to his natural side at LW unless they bring in a second line LW in FA or trade. That or they try him at center again. Also it's going ro be difficult to assemble a good second line if he walks. I'd say they may be able to acquire one piece externally in the offseason but the other piece will need to be filled internally and I'm not sure we will have that piece.

Third line is where I see Iafallo starting. He takes Appelton's spot. We may see Barron eventually grab Nino's if Nino continues to decline.

I personally would like to see Namestnikov in role model role for Rash/Chibs on line 4. Give him special teams time to make up the difference in ice time.

I agree that I'd like to see Salomonsson on the team next year. But I'd have him with Fleury over Miller as I don't want either on their offside.

 

[JetsWillFly4Ever]

It's an interesting question. I'd argue Cole looked just as good when he was in that elevated role in round one while Ehlers was out. So maybe it's more role based in terms of performance.

I'm a Perfetti guy too, as good as he was in round 1 he was f***ing awful against Dallas.

Losing Ehlers will be a mega hit to this team. We lack scoring depth already, I think that was my main take away from this playoff run. Perfetti can be a complimentary player on a 2nd line but without Ehlers that leaves us with 4 top 6 guys, it's not enough and there's not a lot of real options to fill those holes.

 

[surixon]

I'm a Perfetti guy too, as good as he was in round 1 he was f***ing awful against Dallas.

Losing Ehlers will be a mega hit to this team. We lack scoring depth already, I think that was my main take away from this playoff run. Perfetti can be a complimentary player on a 2nd line but without Ehlers that leaves us with 4 top 6 guys, it's not enough and there's not a lot of real options to fill those holes.

Perfetti was also running with a very unsustainable low on ice shooting percentage of 2%. Seems like round 2 was mostly variance for him. He was among the tops in the playoffs with regard to chance generation. But a good learning experience non the less.

I expect another step forward for him to becoming a line driver next year. But yes we will hurt if Fly leaves and I agree it will be difficult to construct a second line without him, especially if they insist on trotting Namestnikov out as the 2C.

 

[bumblebeeman]

So, if Ehlers leaves, do you think targeting Duchene would make sense as a 2C? Maybe something like 3 x 8 kind of deal. He is getting old now, but he would be nice upgrade on Namestnikov, who could slide over to wing or be moved down the line up. It would give some options

 

[surixon]

So, if Ehlers leaves, do you think targeting Duchene would make sense as a 2C? Maybe something like 3 x 8 kind of deal. He is getting old now, but he would be nice upgrade on Namestnikov, who could slide over to wing or be moved down the line up. It would give some options

Would he even want to come here at this stage in his career? But he is friends with Mark so maybe he can be convinced to come.