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Nikolaj Ehlers remains a real trade target for the Sabres with the season approaching

The offseason is finally in the rearview, but trade season is often an ongoing thing in the NHL and it should stay that way for the Buffalo Sabres.

By Todd Matthews

Mar 3, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) tries to knock the puck off the stick of Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Mar 3, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) tries to knock the puck off the stick of Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) during the first period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images / Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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It’s mid-September, and NHL rosters are set, or at least that’s the common belief. Yet, in reality, NHL rosters are never truly set, and the possibility of the Sabres trading for a top-six forward is still high. One player is Nikolaj Ehlers, and it’s something Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic brought up in a recent mailbag article. 

Responding to a fan inquiring about a potential trade, Fairburn wrote, “As far as targets, I still go back to Jets winger Nikolajj Ehlers. He’s in the final season of his contract and Winnipeg has to decide whether to extend him or move him to recoup some value. He has the speed and transition game to be a fit with what the Sabres are looking for.”

There’s not a single Sabres fan out there who wouldn’t be a fan of such a trade, even if it meant moving a few more prospects. Trading Matt Savoie for Ryan McLeod may have evoked mixed reactions among fans, but still, they got an established veteran on the team as opposed to an unproven product. 

The Blue and Gold would also have a lot of upside if they made a pre or an early-season trade for Ehlers. While he has a no-trade clause entering the season, note that it’s only down to 10 teams, and it’s a mystery whether the Blue and Gold are on that list. But even if they are, this club also has a proven head coach in Lindy Ruff, and that could change the minds of a few players who otherwise may not have wanted to play in Buffalo. 

Sabres can still trade for Nikolaj Ehlers in the pre or regular season

The Jets, even if they contend again this season, could still look to move Ehlers anyway if they get a good enough deal for the forward. No, it doesn’t have to come in the form of a player, but draft picks and prospects would do just fine in this situation, as they would give Winnipeg more buying power at the trade deadline or simply make their own big trade in general. 

With a cap hit of just $6 million, Ehlers also fits into the Sabres budget, so they won’t need to play chess to fit him into the lineup. Best yet, Ehlers would also make for a better player than, say, Jason Zucker, when it comes to top-six forwards. 

Ehlers scored just 12 goals in 2022-23, but he only played in 45 games before rebounding last year to put up 25. He’s also put up at least 21 goals in seven of his nine campaigns, so he has a proven and consistent track record. 

We’ll see if Winnipeg would be willing to move Ehlers early in the season, and it could be likely if they struggle early. But as I said before, even if they figure to contend, there may still be a way to bring him to Buffalo.

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