The NHL rumor mill has made a turn to the Winnipeg Jets. It’s no surprise that this season has been disappointing for the reigning Presidents’ Trophy winners. As such, the shift could now be turning towards selling off pieces at the NHL trade deadline.
That’s what insider David Pagnotta pointed towards in a recent discussion with Jeff Marek. In the conversation, Pagnotta identified three primary trade targets the Jets will be looking to move at the deadline.
In particular, Pagnotta brought up veteran blueliners Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley, with forward Tanner Pearson also being in the mix to move.
“Whether it’s Luke Schenn or Logan Stanley or Tanner Pearson or, they’re going to try to move Gustav Nyquist.”
Let’s start with Schenn. The 36-year-old is in the final year of a three-year deal he signed with the Nashville Predators. He flip-flopped at last year’s trade deadline, going from Nashville to Pittsburgh, and then to Winnipeg.
NHL rumors suggest Schenn will be the first to go. He is a solid stay-at-home defenseman. So, he should be in the mix for teams looking to get some depth. Schenn has a $2.75 million cap hit. It’s not high, but it may give some teams a bit of trouble fitting in under a tight cap.
Then, there’s Stanley. He’s 27 and could have more room to improve. He comes with a $1.25 million cap hit. That’s perfect for teams looking to add a bottom-pairing blueliner or a seventh defenseman-type player, per NHL rumors.
Lastly, Pearson is a bottom-six forward who could play a meaningful depth role on a contending team’s fourth line. He carries a $1 million cap hit. That’s perfect for anyone looking to get some help down the lineup.
NHL Rumors Don’t Favor Jets
The problem with the current crop of Jets players is that they don’t really favor the club getting a solid return.
That’s no bueno for the Jets as they look to make lemonade out of the lemons they’ve gotten this season. Schenn could get a late-round pick, while Stanley would be fortunate to bring back anything at all. Meanwhile, Pearson could be worth another depth player or late-round pick.
Perhaps Winnipeg can parlay these NHL rumors for prospects other clubs have given up on. Sometimes, some teams pass up on prospects, with a change of scenery helping them get back on track.
That might be the best-case scenario for the Jets this season.
Nyquist Will Be Tough Sell at Deadline
Perhaps the most puzzling of all NHL rumors involving the Jets is Gustav Nyquist. The 36-year-old was a deadline addition for the Minnesota Wild last season. However, he failed to produce in his limited time with the team.
The Jets took a flyer on him by signing the veteran winger to a one-year, $3.25 million deal. This season, however, Nyquist has not scored a goal and notched nine assists in 35 games. With those numbers, there’s very little chance that anyone would want to take a chance on Nyquist.
Perhaps the Jets can get an AHL-level depth piece if they retain some salary on the Swedish forward. Unfortunately, Nyquist will be a tough sell lest a desperate team take a chance on him.
NHL Rumors: Insider Names 3 Jets Trade Candidates