Updates on Nikolaj Ehlers and James van Riemsdyk plus some Leafs speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: Murat Ates recently wondered if winger Nikolaj Ehlers will stay with the Winnipeg Jets.
Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers (NHL Images).
Ehlers, 28, was the subject of frequent trade speculation during the offseason. Ates noted the Jets approached the idea of shopping the winger before the 2024 NHL Draft. He isn’t sure if the Rutger McGroarty trade derailed things, if the Jets came close to trading Ehlers or changed tack for other reasons.
Ates suggests Ehlers could be everything from a first-line star who signs a surprise contract extension to a trade candidate by the March trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A strong season by Ehlers will improve his value to the Jets and boost his stock in next summer’s free-agent market. The Jets performance this season will also factor into the winger’s future in Winnipeg.
TSN: James van Riemsdyk is expected to sign a professional tryout offer before training camp opens next week.
Chris Johnston reports the 35-year-old free agent winger is considered a “high-character veteran” and has been approached by multiple teams.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: There’s been a recent flurry of PTO signings since last week. It’s likely that van Riemsdyk signs one before the end of this week.
TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan speculated Leafs defenseman Conor Timmins could be waived if Jani Hakanpaa was signed.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hakanpaa inked a one-year deal on Tuesday.