Because the NHL wage cap will increase over the following few seasons, Winnipeg Jets normal supervisor Kevin Cheveldayoff faces an important resolution. Ought to he re-sign star ahead Nikolaj Ehlers? It shouldn’t be a tricky resolution in any respect.
With the Jets firmly in playoff rivalry and their Stanley Cup window open this season, there are three explanation why the Jets ought to lock up Ehlers over the long run.
Three Causes Why Ehlers Ought to Be on the Prime of the Jets Priorities
There are not less than three explanation why Ehlers ought to be on the prime of the Jets’ precedence listing.
Ehlers Has Been a Lengthy-Time Jets Fixture
Ehlers was a Jets’ draft-and-develop success story. He’s been with the Jets since he was drafted ninth within the first spherical of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Over his 10 seasons in Winnipeg, he’s put up 504 factors in 651 video games. That features 48 factors in 47 video games this season alone. He’s a point-a-game participant.
Regardless of battling accidents, Ehlers is among the staff’s quickest and most dynamic gamers. He could make game-breaking performs, particularly on the offense. This offensive upside makes him a key asset that the Jets can’t afford to lose.
Ehlers’ Worth Will Enhance with the Rising Wage Cap
With the NHL wage cap leaping to $95.5 million subsequent season, Jets’ GM Cheveldayoff can re-sign Ehlers with out sacrificing a lot elsewhere. Ehlers deserves a elevate after his present $6 million AAV expires, and his new deal will doubtless replicate the rising wage cap.
When trying across the NHL, comparability gamers embody Filip Forsberg, J.T. Miller, and Sam Reinhart. All these gamers earn about $2 million greater than Ehlers. They’ve AAVs of $8 million to $8.625 million, which means that Ehlers’ subsequent contract ought to fall in an identical vary. However that shouldn’t be a difficulty. The Jets have the monetary room to retain Ehlers long-term whereas retaining their different key gamers in place.
Ehlers Is a Pane within the Jets’ Stanley Cup Window
The Jets sit on prime of the Central Division and are the one NHL staff at present with over 80 factors within the season. (They’ve 81 factors to the Washington Capitals 79.) Now could be the time to maximise their championship potential. Including Ehlers’ spectacular ability set to the staff’s prime six makes the staff all that significantly better.
Ehlers ought to be counted as a invaluable asset for the staff’s success this season and past. Because the staff’s Stanley Cup window stays open for the following few seasons, there ought to be no manner Winnipeg would take an opportunity on shedding Ehlers. He’s considered one of their most unusual and gifted gamers.
Dropping Ehlers Would Be a Main Setback in Winnipeg
Dropping Ehlers could be a major setback for the Jets. The Jets should deal with extending his contract earlier than he hits free company and doubtlessly assessments the market.
Given the present state of the Jets and the rising wage cap, retaining Ehlers in Winnipeg ought to be a no brainer. He has elite expertise and expertise, and his house is within the capital of Manitoba. In brief, he has the potential to contribute to the staff’s success.
Re-signing Ehlers is a key step towards making certain the Jets stay aggressive.
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