One of the hot topics heading into the 2024 offseason is the number of players available for trade. Several players have already been traded to new clubs. Nikolaj Ehlers Winnipeg Jets guard Ehlers has yet to find a new team, and in an effort to change that, Stephen Rosner of The Hockey News reported yesterday that the Carolina Hurricanes are actively pursuing Ehlers.
Carolina's interest isn't a surprise considering the team is losing. Jake Guenzel, Teuvo Teravainenand Stefan Noesen The Hurricanes are set to hit the free-agent market in just a week. Acquiring a player like Ehlers would help soften the blow for the Hurricanes as they look to maintain their regular-season dominance in the NHL's Metropolitan Division. Carolina would also be a natural trade partner for Winnipeg, with a suitor on the way who could be a game-changer.
Carolina could make progress from forward Martin Necas That hope has certainly faded in recent days, as the Hurricanes may be better served signing a restricted free agent to make up for the depth they've lost up front. But if Carolina is still considering trading Necas, a one-for-one swap with the Jets might make the most sense. Assuming both players are willing to discuss an extension as part of the deal, a trade for Ehlers and Necas might be the easiest path forward for both sides.
Ehlers' style of play would be a perfect fit for Carolina, as he is one of the best possession players in the league. During his time with Winnipeg dating back to the 2015-16 NHL season, Ehlers recorded 201 goals and 457 points in 605 games, averaging a CorsiFor% of 57.6% during that time. The biggest criticism of Ehlers' play, and the Hurricanes, has been his lack of performance in the postseason, scoring just four goals and 14 points in 37 playoff games.
