NHL Rumors: One Name Being Linked To Jets If They Lose Nikolaj Ehlers

Friday, June 06, 2025 ,
Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers celebrates overtime goal in 2025 game.

Jonathan Toews might be a name Jets fans recognize, but his return to the NHL, let alone Winnipeg, is no guarantee. 

Out of the league since April 2023 and turning 38 next season, Toews is a long shot to reclaim a meaningful role. Still, his leadership pedigree and faceoff skills (57.3% career win rate) offer appeal. If Toews can handle fourth-line minutes and contribute in the room, a one-year deal might make sense. Just don’t expect 2010s Toews to walk through that door.

Blue Line Upgrades Are Tough, But Peterka Is Intriguing

On defense, the Jets appear set, with every blueliner under contract for next season. While upgrading Dylan DeMelo as Josh Morrissey’s partner sounds ideal, those right-shot, top-four defensemen are rare and costly. DeMelo’s $4.9M AAV over three more years could age poorly, but Winnipeg likely stands pat. If prospect Elias Salomonsson impresses in camp, Colin Miller might be the odd man out.

Up front, the buzz is building around JJ Peterka as a potential replacement for Nikolaj Ehlers, according to Sportsnet's Jacob Stoller. The 23-year-old Buffalo Sabres winger scored 27 goals and 68 points last season, and his high-speed, high-skill game would mesh beautifully with Kyle Connor or Cole Perfetti. 

But he won’t come cheap. Buffalo will demand more than mid-tier prospects like Brad Lambert or Brayden Yager, and several teams are already circling. If the Jets are serious, they’ll need to get creative with assets.

Jets Must Act Strategically as Ehlers' Exit Looms

With $26.5 million in cap space and Ehlers likely departing in free agency, the Jets have room to maneuver—but limited resources to make a splash. Internal options like Lambert or Nikita Chibrikov are intriguing, but adding a player like Peterka would better maintain Winnipeg’s top-six scoring punch. The front office may also explore wingers like Bryan Rust or Drake Batherson via trade.

One thing’s clear: if Winnipeg hopes to stay competitive after a Presidents’ Trophy season, smart, aggressive decisions will be required—starting now. 

Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images 

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