Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers Poised to Fill Pavel Buchnevich’s Void in New York Rangers Lineup.

The New York Rangers are at a crossroads. After a season marked by internal turmoil, inconsistent performances, and a series of underwhelming trades—including the controversial deal that sent Pavel Buchnevich to the St. Louis Blues—the team is looking to recalibrate and find the right mix to contend for a Stanley Cup. One potential solution to their scoring woes could come from an unexpected source: Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

In the 2021 offseason, the Rangers traded Pavel Buchnevich to the Blues in exchange for Sammy Blais and a second-round pick. At the time, the move was justified as a salary-cap maneuver and an attempt to balance the roster. However, in hindsight, it appears to have been a miscalculation. Buchnevich has flourished in St. Louis, recording 30 goals and 70 points in the 2023-24 season, while Blais has struggled to make a significant impact in New York. This trade has been cited as one of the low points in Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury’s tenure, contributing to the team’s current predicament .(New York Post)

Nikolaj Ehlers, a 29-year-old Danish winger, has been a consistent offensive threat for the Winnipeg Jets since being drafted 9th overall in 2014. In the 2024-25 season, Ehlers is on pace for a career-best performance, with 48 points in 47 games—a 74-point pace over 73 games. This offensive surge comes after a strong 2023-24 campaign, where he surpassed 60 points for the first time in five seasons .(Wikipedia, ProHockeyRumors)

Despite his success, Ehlers’ future in Winnipeg is uncertain. The Jets are facing critical decisions regarding his contract status, as he is on an expiring deal and has not yet agreed to an extension. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has acknowledged the importance of Ehlers to the team but has also indicated that difficult decisions may be necessary if the player chooses to test free agency .(Reddit, Yardbarker, ProHockeyRumors)

For the Rangers, acquiring Ehlers could address several pressing needs. First and foremost, he would fill the scoring void left by Buchnevich. Ehlers’ speed, playmaking ability, and knack for finding the back of the net would complement the Rangers’ top-six forwards, providing a dynamic presence on the wing.

Moreover, Ehlers’ addition would offer flexibility in the lineup. He can play both left and right wing, allowing head coach Mike Sullivan to experiment with different line combinations. This versatility could be crucial as the Rangers look to balance their offensive and defensive responsibilities.

Additionally, Ehlers’ experience and maturity would bring stability to a team that has undergone significant changes in recent years. His leadership qualities could help foster a positive locker room culture, which has been a concern for the Rangers in the past .(New York Post)

To acquire Ehlers, the Rangers would likely need to offer a package that appeals to the Jets’ rebuilding efforts. This could include a combination of draft picks and prospects, such as a first-round pick and a young forward with top-six potential. Given the uncertainty surrounding Ehlers’ future in Winnipeg, the Jets may be inclined to move him now to secure assets rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

From the Rangers’ perspective, acquiring Ehlers would be a calculated risk. While he would provide an immediate boost to the lineup, the team would need to ensure that they can re-sign him long-term to justify the trade. This would require careful salary cap management and possibly moving existing contracts to create space.

The Rangers’ pursuit of Nikolaj Ehlers represents a potential turning point for the franchise. By acquiring a player of his caliber, the team could address a critical need in their lineup and set the stage for a more competitive future. However, this move would require careful planning and execution to ensure that it aligns with the team’s long-term goals. As the offseason approaches, the Rangers’ front office faces a pivotal decision: to continue down their current path or to make a bold move that could reshape the team’s traject