Atlantic Division Team Interested In Trading For Jets Forward Nik Ehlers

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Matt Garland
July 5, 2024 (3:03 PM)

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The Buffalo Sabres franchise is currently in the midst of the longest playoff drought (13 seasons) in professional sports. They are looking to change this fortune by injecting some more offence into the lineup. Buffalo are looking at potentially acquiring Jets forward Nik Ehlers who's name has been floated in trade rumors after informing Winnipeg earlier in the offseason that he wasn't interested in re-signing a long-term contract.

The rumored package that Buffalo would send to Winnipeg for Ehlers would include top prospects Jiri Kulich and Noah Östlund.

20 year old, Kullich was selected #28th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The Czech Republic native, produced 27 goals and 45 points in 57 games with the Rocheser Americans last season (Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate)

20 year old, Ostlund was selected #16th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. Ostlund spent the majority of last season back home in Sweden playing for Vaxjo HC. In 38 games he scored 12 goals and 23 points. He had a cup of coffee in the AHL playing two games for the Rocheser Americans last season, producing one asssit. (Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate)

Ehlers has been a key cog in the lineup since being drafted by the franchise 9th overall in 2014. The 28 year old, is coming off a season where he was healthy for the entire season, producing 25 goals and 61 points. Ehlers had been gaining a reputation around the league of not being able to stay healthy. The Denmark native hasn't played a full 82 game season since the 2017-18 season.

Ehlers struggled during the Jets playoff run, only producing two assists in the five games. Through 37 career playoff games, Ehlers only scored 4 goals and 14 points, an average of less than 0.5 points per game.

Ehlers has one year left on his contract with a $6M AAV. He does hold some control in his contract with a 10-team no-trade clause.