As we wait the conclusion of the Stanley Cup finals between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers the news and rumours are seeping out from all the media insiders. When it comes to the Winnipeg Jets, (for those who don’t know I am in Winnipeg) there is no greater focus than the future of Nik Ehlers as he edges closer to UFA status on July 1st.
Ehlers’ future: Let the UFA walk?
Ehlers has long been a sort of enigma for Winnipeg, vastly talented and the best skater on the team either as transition or zone entries he has never seemed to garner the love or respect from the decision makers within the Jets organization. Ehlers is coming off a 7 year $42 million dollar deal that gave him a AAV of $6 million per year. This was a bargain for the Jets at the time and through the duration of the deal. Nw they face a conundrum: let Ehlers go for nothing? Pay him what the market value is and keep him for likely the rest of his career?
The player is 29 years old and should he sign a maximum term deal with the Jets he would finish his contract at age 37. This is the tricky zone for teams and for the Jets the Ehlers conundrum presents a doubly tricky problem. Ehlers has long been seen as under-utilized, under appreciated, and overly criticized by Jets coaches and management. Rarely has he been given a stable role in the first unit PP, let alone a consistent centre for his career. So considering a management perspective, do the Jets value or see Ehlers the way other teams and perhaps their and his fans do?
James Mirtle of the Athletic suggested a $9 million salary on the open market and that does not seem unreasonable, and given the usage and history in Winnipeg would the Jets dare go that high? Perhaps but is it a case of only if we cannot get ‘our guy’? The problem for the Jets is the one that will plague the team forever until more parks, better wifi, and climate change make the city more favourable, how to attract players in their prime?
Should Ehlers leave what replaces him and can the Jets get 60 points a year out of that replacement while driving play of an often mediocre second line and keep it in line with their expected spend and internal budget? Does Ehlers need to be shown the love by the team with upgrade to his line and perhaps usage? What does he want from the Jets or any team?
An interesting conversation happened recently at an informal event where a Jets player was asked about Ehlers and his future with Winnipeg. The response was an optimistic wink. Is this a bit of gamesmanship between player/agent and the Jets as the deadline nears?
Recall that both Mark Schiefele and Connor Hellebuyck hinted at departures before signing extensions that could keep them as Jets for life and help the Jets be the best team by points in the regular season last year with the best PP. Night is always darkest before dawn and the Jets and Ehlers could be there right now.
Long-term: Will Morrissey stay healthy?
Another player that is key to the Jets is Josh Morrissey. What does his future hold in terms of staying healthy?
The stalwart Norris considered defenceman had another great season but like the team fell short in the post season. Morrissey may have an excuse as he has been seen walking poorly and has admitted privately that he has a knee problem which may have dictated his on-ice ability. What is not certain is the severity of the injury and what comes next. With essentially two months left before players show up after a short summer what will be done with Morrissey and this injury? Knees are funny things and while now they can be repaired from almost any situation the recovery time is variable and outcome not always certain.
Morrissey cannot be replaced and when he is out of the lineup it is noticeable. The longer the indecision on his health happens the great the chance it affects the Jets come the start of the 25-26 season. The start of next season with or without Morrissey would only be magnified by the loss of the Jets’ best transition player in Ehlers.
Having neither and lacking a significant replacement would definitely see the Jets take a step backward. That might be necessary if they are to find a formula to advance past the second round but that require other retooling with the roster, something that seems easy to do, unless you are in Winnipeg.
