Jets Rumors: Winnipeg To Pursue Top Forward on Trade Market

 

The Winnipeg Jets have now soared into top spot in the entire NHL, with 54 points, courtesy of a five-game winning streak, and without a loss in regulation in their last 11 contests. But are they sitting on their laurels the rest of the way? Not a chance. 

According to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta on the NHL Network, the Jets are looking to bolster their center position, and have their sights set on one of the top trade candidates on the market—Calgary Flames veteran center Elias Lindholm.

Going into the season, there was some word that maybe they would address the blueline (this season), but with that structure and how they're playing defensively, and with the All-Star performance of Connor hellebuyck, they may veer in the direction of a second-line center.  

Don't be surprised if Elias Lindholm is a guy they get a little more involved in. There is some interest now. 

The Jets do have just about $2M in cap space, and can put together a decent package.  

"They've got some good young players in the system," says Pagnotta. "They've got a deep cupboard and they've got some assets they could move out."

Lindholm currently owns a $4.85 million cap hit, so the Jets would still have to do some maneuvering to make it fit. 

Of course, with the Flames center a pending UFA and reportedly looking for an extension of $9M+ AAV, Pagnotta believes he might only be a rental for the Jets, if they were to acquire him. 

Lindholm has a 40-goal season, and four 20+ goal seasons on his resume, and over the course of his 11-year career, he's found the net 211 times along with 327 assists for 538 points in 781 games. This season, while his minutes are up, to 21 per night, his production is down a bit, with 8 goals, 17 assists and 25 points in 38 games, along with a minus-2 rating. 

The Jets are 25-9-4, and with 54 points lead the Colorado Avalanche by a point atop the Central Division and the Western Conference, heading into play Saturday night. 

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports