RW/LW Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets)
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Nikolaj Ehlers is currently projected as the Winnipeg Jets second line right winger, but that may not be the case for long. With one year left on his current deal, the former Moosehead has been allegedly reluctant to re-sign with the club.
Since he has a modified no-trade clause, there’s a number of teams he would have to waive his no-trade for, which might make it difficult for up and coming teams like Montreal, Ottawa or Utah to acquire his services.
That said, Stefan Rosner broke that the Carolina Hurricanes have pushed heavily for the Dutch star, as they try to fill to void left by the departure of trade deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel.
As of yet, it doesn’t appear that the trade is imminent and given just how big of a piece Ehlers is to the core of the Jets, I’m sure they’d be willing to hold on to him for as long as is possible.
C Claude Giroux (Ottawa Senators)
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One of the first things that comes to mind when you mention Claude Giroux, is that he’s a competitive guy.
With his career starting to wind down, and the Flyers entering a rebuild, he demanded a trade to a contender for a chance to win the Stanley Cup.
Unfortunately, he was about two years early.
After the season, the grizzled veteran signed a three-year deal with the Ottawa Senators, returning to the Ottawa-Gatineau area for the first time professionally since his time with the Gatineau Olympiques
The Sens were an up-and-coming squad that needed veteran leadership like Giroux to help guide it’s young core in the right direction. Now two years later, and the Senators have still yet to make the playoffs.
With the off-season acquisitons of Linus Ullmark, and former champions David Perron, Michael Amadio and Nick Cousins, it sure feels like it’s a make it or break it year for the Senators.
Although if the Sens aren’t in that position by February, especially in one of the most stacked divisions in the league, Giroux — who is turning 37 in January — may ask to look elsewhere.
D David Savard (Montreal Canadiens)
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For the Montreal Canadiens, it’s all about supply and demand.
The Habs have a bustling group of young defensemen who are either NHL bound or on the cusp of the NHL, including the likes of returners Kaiden Guhle and Justin Barron and rookies Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux.
David Savard, now on the last year of his four year contract, is just not who the Habs need to prioritize right now. Thankfully, right shot defensemen with Stanley Cup pedigree are in high demand.
Just last month, it came out that at least three teams were circulating on the shutdown defender including the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche.
Additionally, a number of teams checked in on the blueliner last trade deadline.
It’s very possible that Savard starts the season with the Habs, but should some of their younger defensemen have strong pre-season’s, Savard may be out of Montréal sooner than we may think.
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