NHL Rumors: 3 Winnipeg Jets Targets If Nikolaj Ehlers Walks

Nikolaj Ehlers is the Winnipeg Jets' top pending unrestricted free agent heading into the summer. If the star winger signs elsewhere this offseason, the Jets will absolutely need to replace him.

Due to this, let's discuss three players the Jets could target if Ehlers walks this summer.

Alexis Lafreniere

The New York Rangers are expected to be busy this offseason after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Lafreniere's name has been floating around the rumor mill because of it, and he could be a trade target that grabs the Jets' attention because of it. This is especially so when noting that he does not have any trade protection yet and is signed until the end of the 2031-32 season.

Brock Boeser

If the Jets lose Ehlers, they could very well take a run at Boeser, who is also a pending unrestricted free agent. While Boeser is a right winger, he would still be a major pickup for the Jets and make up for the scoring that would be lost if Ehlers leaves. In 75 games this season with the Vancouver Canucks, he had 25 goals and 50 points.

JJ Peterka

Peterka is another player who could make a lot of sense for the Jets if they end up losing Ehlers this offseason. The 23-year-old winger is one of the NHL's top trade candidates, and there is a real expectation that he will be traded by the Buffalo Sabres. The pending restricted free agent is coming off a strong season, scoring 27 goals and setting new career highs with 41 assists and 68 points in 77 games.