Latest news with #NikolajEhlers
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers hot commodity as NHL free agency day looms
The clock is ticking and decision day is looming for pending unrestricted free agent Nikolaj Ehlers. The speculation surrounding the future of the Winnipeg Jets dynamic winger has been virtually non-stop on social media since the season ended and it won't take that much longer before we figure out if Ehlers is going to stay or if he's going to go. Should he get to market, Ehlers is going to be one of the most highly sought-after players available on July 1 and a strong playoff — after returning from an unlucky lower-body injury — only enhanced his value. PAUL VERNON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers is an unrestricted free agent and will be one of the most highly sought-after players if he makes it to market on July 1, the NHL's free agency day. PAUL VERNON / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers is an unrestricted free agent and will be one of the most highly sought-after players if he makes it to market on July 1, the NHL's free agency day. Because he went directly to suit up for Denmark in the 2025 IIHF men's hockey championship, Ehlers hasn't shed much light on how he's viewing his first crack at unrestricted free agency. But in all likelihood, Ehlers probably wasn't going to leave many bread crumbs after his exit interview was complete either. In the world of negotiations — especially when you don't want them to occur publicly — some things are better left unsaid. Here are six teams that could/should pursue Nikolaj Ehlers if he makes it to free agency on July 1: Here are six teams that could/should pursue Nikolaj Ehlers if he makes it to free agency on July 1: Carolina Hurricanes: They're a perennial playoff team that hasn't scored enough when it's mattered most. Yes, they'll be in on the Mitch Marner sweepstakes, but Ehlers could be the type of dynamic forward that would mesh well with top-line centre Sebastian Aho. With more than US$26 million of cap space available, dollar and term won't be a concern here. Toronto Maple Leafs: When general manager Brad Treliving mentioned changing the DNA at his year-end press conference, it's easy to envision Ehlers being a target along with the likes of Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers. By delivering the best post-season of his NHL career, adding Ehlers could make up for some of the offence lost with Marner expected to depart as a free agent. Montreal Canadiens: Since Ehlers was a star in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Halifax Mooseheads, he often draws a crowd with the media during trips to la belle province. He's also the type of electrifying player with experience that could help the Canadiens as they look to take the next step in their development path. Reuniting with his close friend Patrik Laine (who has one more season left on his contract) would be a bonus. Columbus Blue Jackets: Another team on the rise, adding someone as explosive as Ehlers to a forward group could help push the Blue Jackets to a playoff berth after finishing one point shy this season. Top-line centre Sean Monahan is someone Ehlers showed good chemistry with after he was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens. They've got more than US$40 million in cap space available, so they could make a significant offer. Utah Mammoth: Speaking of significant offers, the team formerly known as Utah HC is set to make a splash — whether that's another big trade at the NHL draft at the end of the month and/or in free agency — and Ehlers is the kind of player that would bring star power and immediately be a fan favourite. Utah wants to be a playoff team next season and Ehlers could help them achieve that goal. Vancouver Canucks: There's still a segment of the Canucks fan base that can't believe Vancouver chose Jake Virtanen sixth overall in 2014 instead of Ehlers (who went ninth to the Jets). With the expected departure of Brock Boeser in free agency, the Canucks need help on the wings and his skating ability could pair well with Elias Pettersson. With just over US$12 million in cap space available, a corresponding move might have to be made, especially since the Canucks are likely going to need a second-line centre if they don't re-up Pius Suter. While he's spoken openly about loving his time in Winnipeg, Ehlers has kept his priorities for free agency close to the vest over the course of the last season and that's why the level of intrigue regarding his future is only on the rise. You can be sure that playing for a team with a chance to win ranks high for Ehlers, who was named as one of Denmark's first six players for the 2026 men's Olympic team on Monday. Nino Niederreiter, chosen by Switzerland, was the other Jets player to receive that honour. The two-hour meeting with agent Andre Rufener that Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff referenced was obviously a good sign, but you can't ignore the fact that Winnipeg remains the only team that can negotiate with Ehlers' camp until free agency officially opens. The point remains the same: you don't spend two hours chatting at this point of the proceedings unless you're genuinely considering sticking around. However, when you're two weeks away from having 31 other teams make their best pitch, it's easy to understand why you would at least listen to what else is out there. The projections on Ehlers' next contract remain somewhere between US$8 million and slightly north of US$9 million on a deal that's going to be at least six years long. As an eight-time 20-goal scorer, Ehlers is someone that all teams looking for scoring will have on their wish list. Barring a sign and trade (which is unlikely), the Jets are the only team that can offer that eighth year and we'll see if that bonus year could be one of the reasons Ehlers decides to remain in the organization. Should the Jets get to the point where they offer Ehlers eight years for somewhere around US$8.5 million, it would be nearly impossible for any other team to meet or exceed the total amount of the contract. After turning 29 in February, this is going to be the biggest ticket Ehlers signs and he's guaranteed to be getting a raise from the US$6 million he made on the seven-year deal that's set to expire. As an eight-time 20-goal scorer, Ehlers is someone that all teams looking for scoring will have on their wish list. That he's yet to hit 30 goals or exceed 64 points in a single season is surprising when you consider his skill, will and ability. Yet, that probably has more to do with the injuries he's dealt with and that he's only truly had one season of regular time with the top power-play unit (last season) as he moved to the pop position in the slot. Ehlers attacked that promotion with vigour and connected for six power-play goals and 16 assists for 22 points with the man advantage. No matter how things get resolved, Ehlers is someone that was incredibly productive and accountable. As a point of reference, Ehlers had no goals and seven helpers on the power play the previous season. Knowing Jets head coach Scott Arniel has that role in mind for him is surely something Ehlers would see as a positive and while there isn't a clear path to top-line minutes alongside Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, the Danish forward is likely in line for a bump in ice time — whether that's in Winnipeg or somewhere else. There are going to be teams that could offer a higher AAV (average annual value) or entice him with chatter of moving to the top line while remaining on the top power-play unit. That might end up being the deciding factor, only Ehlers knows for sure. No matter how things get resolved, Ehlers is someone that was incredibly productive and accountable. FRED GREENSLADE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers (left) had the pivotal dying-seconds pass that set up teammate Cole Perfetti's 'Manitoba Miracle' Game 7 equalizer against the St. Louis Blues in May. FRED GREENSLADE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets' Nikolaj Ehlers (left) had the pivotal dying-seconds pass that set up teammate Cole Perfetti's 'Manitoba Miracle' Game 7 equalizer against the St. Louis Blues in May. He plays the game with unbridled passion and when you couple that with his explosiveness and ability to provide highlight-reel moments, Ehlers quickly became a fan favourite. The ninth overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft made the team as a 19-year-old and matured both on and off the ice during the past decade. The one narrative he wanted to erase was the one that involved his uneven playoff performance and that mission was accomplished this spring. Although Ehlers would have gladly sacrificed a few goals or points for an opportunity to move onto the third round and beyond, his ability to deliver five goals and seven points in eight games after returning from injury was another example of why he'll be in demand on July 1. If Ehlers ultimately decides to move on, the asset management crowd will turn up the volume on the belief that the Jets should have traded him before the deadline to not 'lose him for nothing.' What happens with Ehlers over the course of the next two weeks is one of the decisions that is going to shape how the off-season goes for Cheveldayoff and the Jets. When you're leading the NHL (and ultimately win the Presidents' Trophy as the top team during the regular season), you don't trade one of your most impactful players — unless the return includes someone along the lines of Mikko Rantanen, who was moved twice in blockbuster deals before the deadline in March. There's no question that hanging onto Ehlers was the right decision, even if the Jets ended up 10 wins shy of the 16 required to capture the Stanley Cup. What happens with Ehlers over the course of the next two weeks is one of the decisions that is going to shape how the off-season goes for Cheveldayoff and the Jets. If the Jets can't convince Ehlers to stick around, finding a reasonable facsimile — as difficult as that may be — will be a top priority for a team that is already going to be looking for some subtle upgrades for them to ensure they remain a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Winnipeg's Nino Niederreiter to Lead Switzerland in 2026 Olympic Winter Games
Winnipeg Jets veteran forward Nino Niederreiter will be suiting up for his country in Milano Cortina this winter. Often donning the red and white for his native Switzerland at the IIHF World Championships following the conclusion of the NHL's regular season, the 32-year-old will now get the chance to skate in his second Winter Olympic Games. Photo by Scott Novak/USA Today This week, the 12 nations set to participate in the upcoming Olympics revealed the 'first six' players representing each country. Advertisement To no surprise, Niederreiter was right at the top of the list for the Swiss, while fellow Jets teammate Nikolaj Ehlers was the most recognizable name announced by Team Denmark. Other Jets players who may later hear their names called for other Olympic rosters include Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele for Canada and Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor for Team USA. The men's ice hockey schedule has been released and games will begin on Wednesday, February 11, concluding with the gold medal final on Sunday, February 22.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers may enter free agent market as New York Islanders inquire about his availability
Nikolaj Ehlers (via Getty Images) Winnipeg Jets right wing Nikolaj Ehlers will be testing for free agency, according to Elliotte Friedman. The 29-year-old will finish a successful final year on his seven-year, $6 million AAV deal. Nikolaj Ehlers accumulated 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 69 regular-season contests and contributed seven points (5 goals, 2 assists) in eight playoff games this season. He is one of the most desirable forwards on the open market this summer, second to Mitch Marner among free-agent wingers. New York Islanders show interest in Nikolaj Ehlers as the winger is reportedly going to test for free agency The New York Islanders supposedly made a call to ask about Nikolaj Ehlers' status before the 2024 NHL Draft, as relayed by The Hockey News. But with Winnipeg playing well heading into the deadline, the Jets chose to keep one of their elite forwards from being traded in the middle of a hot streak. The team now stands to lose him for free. As Nikolaj Ehlers' camp readies for suitors to make their pitches, the Islanders still stand as a rational suitor, on paper, in any event. The team badly needs a scoring winger of dynamic skill after ending last season with one of the league's worst power-play units (12.6%, second-lowest). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Ehlers, who scored six power-play goals last season, would be a seamless fit there, particularly with Brock Nelson no longer on the roster. Nikolaj Ehlers Is Planning To Test Free Agency, But That Doesn't Mean The End For The Winnipeg Jets The Islanders currently only have approximately $20 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia. About $2 million of available cap space is there, not close to what would be needed to sign Ehlers, who might make up to $8 million per year in free agency. To create some room, New York would probably need to shed contracts such as Jean-Gabriel Pageau's $5 million and Pierre Engvall's $3 million. Parting with those two contracts might provide the fiscal flexibility to enter the Ehlers sweepstakes. Ehlers fits the bill as precisely what the Islanders require: a steadying 20-to-25-goal wing who offers best power-play potential and top-six dependability. He would further fortify the lineup and offer greater offensive latitude to Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, depending on how top-line action is assigned by head coach Patrick Roy. The question, as always, is durability. Ehlers has a well-documented injury history—he's played more than 70 games only three times in 10 NHL seasons. While he was healthy for all 82 games in 2023–24, he missed time again this season, finishing with 69 appearances. Also read: Nikolaj Ehlers faces a big summer career decision as his current season shows strong form Even so, his ceiling is well beyond that which Anthony Duclair, the big summer signing last year (4 years, $4.5M AAV), has provided to date. If the Islanders are serious about moving past being a bubble playoff team, they require demonstrated scoring skill, and Ehlers fits the bill.
Global News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
ANALYSIS: Jets could have a number of holes to fill in free agency
With two weeks remaining before the NHL free agent market opens, there could be a few openings on the Winnipeg Jets roster depending on how things shake out over the next month or so. As we speak today, there is no certainty the quartet of Nikolaj Ehlers, Mason Appleton, Brandon Tanev and Haydn Fleury will remain with Winnipeg come July 1. Story continues below advertisement There is far more clarity on the futures of pending restricted free agents Gabe Vilardi, Morgan Barron and Dylan Samberg, but still, no guarantee deals will be completed with one, two, or all three members of that trio when training camp begins around the third week of September. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy And for those who haven't taken the time to check out the 2025 free-agent crop, in my opinion, the branches are pretty bare on that tree. If Ehlers chooses to hit the open market — as all indications suggest he will — do the Jets have any chance at enticing Mitch Marner or Sam Bennett to fill that vacancy in the top six? Would Patrick Kane or Brock Boeser be a worthwhile investment to consider? And that leaves Vlad Gavrikov and Aaron Ekblad as impact-worthy additions to the top four on the blue line who would be worth the risk of a contract offer of any term beyond five years. Story continues below advertisement Remember those words of Kevin Cheveldayoff a year ago? The Jets GM openly challenged Winnipeg's prospects to be ready to grab the brass ring at camp and then the preseason. As it turned out, none really did. Any form of a window of opportunity pretty much slammed shut in the wake of a historic 15-1 start to the season. For Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, Parker Ford and Elias Salomonsson, it could very well be a second straight chance to make it impossible for the coaching staff and management to NOT include them on the opening day roster. Perhaps Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow or Jacob Julien take an unanticipated step forward straight out of the junior ranks. Until the grey area becomes more black and white, it would be best to not rule out any potential scenario that exists, heading into this third week of June.
New York Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
NHL free agency 2025: One player each team should target this offseason
There are just over two weeks until NHL free agency opens on July 1, and teams will be looking to fill holes on their rosters. Headlined by stars such as Mitch Marner, Aaron Ekblad and Nikolaj Ehlers, there are plenty of pending unrestricted free agents available who could boost franchises in a big way. Advertisement This week, The Athletic asked its NHL staff to play free agency matchmaker and list one pending UFA each team should target this summer. Here's what they said. If Marner isn't in play, Boeser could be a good Plan B who isn't nearly as costly. He'll get paid and could surpass Troy Terry's team-high $7 million AAV. But the Ducks' salary scale wouldn't be thrown off, and they would get a shooter whose down year of 25 goals last season would have led Anaheim. Beckett Sennecke, the No. 3 pick in 2024, won't need to be rushed. — Eric Stephens Who would want to play against a team that rolls David Pastrnak on one shift and Marner the next? The Bruins would be top-heavy with two difference-making right wings. But in a good way. — Fluto Shinzawa The Sabres' biggest need is a right-shot defenseman capable of playing in the top four. Ekblad is the best player available who fits that description. He comes with an established track record playing for a winning team to go with a physical edge. He's also only 29, so he should still have some good seasons left in him. — Matthew Fairburn A goal-scoring winger with speed and skating in his arsenal. He makes a ton of sense for Calgary if he's willing to remain in Canada. Boeser could be another option. The goal is for Calgary to get someone younger and not chase after mid-30s players who keep them away from that goal. — Julian McKenzie Marner would fit the Hurricanes' style and give the team an elite point producer. He's a defensively responsible forward who is hardworking and can be used in all situations. While there is a case for Carolina upgrading at center over another wing, the team could accomplish its longtime pursuit of landing a superstar by landing Marner this offseason. — Cory Lavalette Advertisement Marner is probably a long shot, and the Blackhawks may not even sign a significant unrestricted free agent. It's possible they'll be more aggressive in trying to acquire someone through trade. But of the current UFAs, Marner is the one who makes the most sense from age and talent standpoints. — Scott Powers After signing Brock Nelson to an extension, Colorado has its core under contract, but also very little cap space to work with. The Avs should be looking to upgrade the fringes with a good value signing, and Fabbro could be perfect. He's 26, a strong skater and played well with Norris Trophy finalist Zach Werenski this year. He'd be a great addition if Colorado could find a way to fit his contract. — Jesse Granger The Blue Jackets want to bolster their blue line, and the right side needs the most help. Ekblad would be a perfect fit, whether he pairs with Werenski on the top pair or with youngster Denton Mateychuk on the second pair. The right side has been a sore spot since Seth Jones was traded to Chicago, but Ekblad could help give the Jackets two major minute-munchers, one on each side. — Aaron Portzline Miro Heiskanen is capable of playing on his off side; he's been doing it for years. But the Stars could use a good right-handed shot, and Ekblad fits the bill. He could slot in alongside Thomas Harley or Esa Lindell and give Dallas a terrific top four. But making the money work will be difficult, especially if Jim Nill plans to re-sign Matt Duchene and captain Jamie Benn. — Mark Lazerus While a top-line winger would be the more exciting add, Detroit needs a top-four defenseman, and Gavrikov would be the dream fit. He's one of the league's best defensive defensemen, is used to taking tough minutes and has familiarity with Todd McLellan and Trent Yawney from Los Angeles. Putting Gavrikov next to Moritz Seider would make for a fearsome defensive pairing. — Max Bultman Advertisement It's a boring answer, but sometimes there's nothing wrong with boring. Brown has become one of the heartbeats of the team as a penalty killer and role player who can move up in the lineup. He loves being an Oiler, his former agent runs the team and he surely won't break the bank. That's important, considering the Oilers don't have an abundance of cap space. — Daniel Nugent-Bowman Why mess with success? That goes for both sides, too. If Bennett wants to max out — and some team will be more than happy to offer the opportunity — it'll be time to say goodbye. Is it that outrageous to think that Florida paying him, say, $7 million a season should be out of the question? The fit is perfect, and there (as usual) aren't a ton of plug-and-play down-the-middle options on the market. — Sean Gentille With Rob Blake as the Kings' GM, it felt like a foregone conclusion that Gavrikov would be re-signed, but that's no longer the case with Ken Holland. If Holland isn't keen on throwing many years and big money at Gavrikov, the 29-year-old defensive bedrock, trading for the younger Bowen Byram (or perhaps Nicolas Hague) might be necessary if they also make a big move, such as taking a run at Marner. — Eric Stephens The Wild's main need is up the middle, and now they're on Plan B after target Nelson re-signed with the Avalanche. Tavares' priority has been to stay in Toronto, but if he gets to market, he'd give Minnesota the experienced, two-way center who could take some pressure off Joel Eriksson Ek. The Wild need to get Tavares, Duchene or Jonathan Toews to address the position, especially after missing out on Nelson. — Joe Smith Fabbro might not make it to July 1, because the reasons why Montreal might want him are the same reasons Columbus would want to keep him: he's young, shoots from the right side, should be relatively inexpensive and did some good things with the Blue Jackets. The Canadiens have a need on the right side of their blue line with the retirement of David Savard. — Arpon Basu It's doubtful Bennett will end up getting away from Florida and even more doubtful that Nashville would be high on his radar if he did, but the Preds should still be all in on giving it a try. This is exactly the productive, surly, still-in-his-prime player this team needs down the middle. — Joe Rexrode The Devils need depth, and Brown is an affordable bottom-six player who has proved useful on an elite Edmonton team. Depth was New Jersey's biggest weakness in the Carolina series, and he'd help address that. — Peter Baugh Advertisement The Isles' lack of playmakers on the wing, especially those who can skate a bit, is pretty evident. Outside of Marner, there aren't really any potential UFAs with Ehlers' skill set; signing him would allow Mathew Barzal to move back to center. — Arthur Staple Suter might be too expensive for the Rangers because of their cap situation, but New York has created a bit of flexibility after the Chris Kreider trade. He's a versatile player who would slot in perfectly at third-line center, allowing the team to keep Mika Zibanejad on the wing. It might not be possible, but he'd be a good fit. — Peter Baugh A speedy winger who can pot 20-25 goals annually. The Sens need speed and goal scoring wherever they can get it. If Ehlers is interested in remaining in Canada and playing on another playoff team, the Sens should go hard after a potential linemate for Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk. — Julian McKenzie If Bennett commands $10 million a season, as some reports have suggested he might, that will be too much for the Flyers at this stage of their building process. But they want to start pivoting on the rebuild and winning games next season, and that's only going to happen if they find another reliable center who can play in the top six. Bennett would boost the Flyers' biggest position of need. — Kevin Kurz Gavrikov, a steady and dependable player, would help and fit well on the left side of the Penguins' blue line. Plus, he's only 29. — Josh Yohe Ehlers would further jazz up their forward mix with a consistent, speedy and skilled scorer who doesn't cost a Marner level of money. But Ehlers might block one of San Jose's power forward prospects, and Ekblad would be a serious upgrade for a woeful defense. Sam Dickinson is coming, but they need a high-quality right shot on the blue line, and Ekblad would instantly fit into their top pairing. — Eric Stephens Whether it's Marner or Ehlers, the Kraken have to find a way to get to the front of the line and pitch one of the top offensive wingers on July 1 in unrestricted free agency. A potentially elite, dynamic offensive player who can help this team create some timely goals is the ball game for Seattle this summer. — Thomas Drance Advertisement There are higher-profile free agents, such as Marner or Bennett, who would certainly help the Blues. But if the club could just secure itself a reliable veteran center such as Granlund, it would serve the Blues well because they'd be much deeper up the middle. At 33, he could help hold the fort down until Dalibor Dvorsky is ready, too. — Jeremy Rutherford The Lightning need help on defense, so management should be looking for low-key adds such as Fabbro. The righty could slot alongside Victor Hedman on the top pair (which would allow J.J. Moser to shift back to his natural side on the third), or he could be a stabilizing force on the third pair. At 26 years old, he's in the right age range for Tampa Bay, and he won't break the bank this summer. — Shayna Goldman Kane could slip into Marner's long-time spot on the Leafs' top line and give Auston Matthews a fresh look. He isn't the superstar of his Chicago years, but still kicked in 59 points in 72 games for Detroit at age 36 last year. Kane would bring some swagger and a short-term fix for the Leafs' top six in the wake of Marner's likely departure. — Jonas Siegel The Mammoth have seven NHL defensemen and both goalies signed for next season. With $20 million in cap space, the priority is be up front, and Marner makes a ton of sense to help supercharge what was a below-average offense and give Clayton Keller more help. Getting more star power in a new market couldn't hurt, either. — James Mirtle The Canucks can't let perfect become the enemy of good this offseason. Though he's 34 and struggled in the Western Conference final at five-on-five, Duchene remains a versatile, productive top-of-the-lineup player with speed to burn and the ability to contribute at center or on the wing. If he's willing to come north of the 49th parallel, it's hard to come up with a better, realistic fit. — Thomas Drance Adding another big contract comes with risk, especially with Jack Eichel eligible for an extension on July 1, but Marner and Vegas could be a perfect match. Strong up the middle and on defense, Vegas' biggest need is scoring on the wing. That, combined with this club's history of aggressively pursuing prized players, means it will be surprising if the Golden Knights aren't in the Marner sweepstakes. — Jesse Granger Fun as it'd be to wish-cast someone such as Marner or Ehlers to Washington, this is a team without a ton of money to spend (less than $10 million), and with faith in the top of its lineup and a glaring need at third-line center. Figuring that out should be priority No. 1. Connor McMichael is an internal option, but Roslovic would be a nice bottom-six fallback plan who can also play right wing. — Sean Gentille Advertisement Mangiapane is a good buy-low candidate after a 28-point season from Washington's third line — a step back after 40, 43, and 55-point second-line seasons in Calgary. The 29-year-old is still a dogged forechecker, a pain to play against, and the kind of Nino Niederreiter-plus middle-six play driver Winnipeg needs — especially if Ehlers signs elsewhere. — Murat Ates (Illustration: Kelsea Petersen/ The Athletic; Kevin Sousa / NHLI, Claus Andersen and Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
