The Winnipeg Jets have a trade chip that might help a lot
What do the Jets actually need to be contenders and how could the Jets get that
There’s been a lot of talk about trading Nikolaj Ehlers. He has one more season under contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent—provided the Winnipeg Jets and Ehlers don't reach an extension agreement.
If the return is right, the Jets should be open to trading almost anyone at any time, including Ehlers. Of course, this comes with the caveat that you do not want to be in an eternal rebuild, always turning over assets. Eventually, you have to bite the bullet of paying in the future for present success, even if the net cost is a negative.
You don’t win championships for having the most efficient roster. You win championships for having the best roster (plus luck and all that weighted probability stuff).
But, I’ve buried my lede quite a bit. I want to discuss why, if we ignore the probability of retaining a player, the Jets should consider something very few have been discussing.
The Jets should probably trade a winger for help elsewhere on the roster, but perhaps not in the way you may be thinking.
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