Winnipeg Jets: Nikolaj Ehlers
Nope, not Connor Hellebuyck or Kyle Connor. Nikolaj Ehlers is a really good hockey player that ran into bad luck in terms of injury and underwhelming linemates in Winnipeg. A change of scenery may be exactly what the 27-year-old winger needs to hit the next gear in his development. Imagine a line of Ehlers, Jack Hughes, and Dawson Mercer in New Jersey. Yeah… sign this team up for that. For what it’s worth, Ehlers will also come at a cheaper price tag than what the Jets will ask for Kyle Connor. Ehlers feels like the better fit, and he is under contract for the next two seasons at a reasonable cap hit of $6 million.
Minnesota Wild: Ryan Hartman
The Minnesota Wild may not be interested in trading a player like Ryan Hartman, but it’s fun to speculate. Hartman would be a fantastic addition to the Devils middle-six forward group. Hartman would bring a gritty mentality to New Jersey as well as the ability to put the puck in the net. Hartman potted 34 goals in the 2021-22 season before scoring just 15 in 59 games this past season. Adding Hartman to the mix feels like a perfect fit as he plays to the Devils identity of being hard to play against.