The Winnipeg Jets have reportedly zeroed in on their desired replacement for winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who’s expected to become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow afternoon. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston on his aptly named Chris Johnston Show, the Jets are aggressively pursuing Brock Boeser.
There’s little surprise about the report, given that Boeser is Ehlers’ best comparable entering the free agent frenzy. Over the last three years, Boeser has scored 83 goals and 178 points in 230 games with the Vancouver Canucks, averaging 18:01 of ice time, and 61 of those points coming with a man advantage. During the same time frame, Ehlers scored 61 goals and 162 points in 196 games with Winnipeg, averaging 15:48 minutes per game, including 41 points on the power play.
It’ll be interesting to see how Boeser is deployed should he eventually sign with Winnipeg. The Jets have no reason to move Gabriel Vilardi from the team’s first line, so Boeser may join Cole Perfetti and either Jonathan Toews or Vladislav Namestnikov on the second line. If he’s unable to keep his average ice time consistent, it’ll be challenging to continue the same goal-scoring pace he enjoyed with Vancouver.
Other notes from the Central Division:
- Earlier today, the Utah Mammoth announced that they had not issued a qualifying offer to winger Kailer Yamamoto. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re uninterested in retaining him, as Craig Morgan of The Sedona Conference reported that the Mammoth and Yamamoto are continuing to work toward a new contract. Despite scoring 20 goals and 56 points in 54 games with their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, Yamamoto only appeared in 12 games for Utah this past season, scoring one goal and three points. Having the skill set of a top-six forward, it’s unlikely he’ll find an avenue to that role with the Mammoth moving forward.
- Although they’ll be playing in the same arena, the Minnesota Wild’s home will operate under a new name. Minnesota Sports & Entertainment announced a 14-year naming rights partnership with Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley. Starting in the 2025-26 season, the stadium formerly known as the Xcel Energy Center will become the Grand Casino Arena.
The Jets aren’t alone in their pursuit of Boeser. It will be interested to see where he ends up. Should get a nice pay day with a bidding war likely to take place
It would take A LOT of money to get me to play in Winnipeg if I’m a marquee free agent. Yikes.
Have you ever visited Winnipeg?
Top team last year with the best goaler in the league as well. IF, you are a marquee free agent, you might be the difference to actually hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Thought this would be who the Jets zone in on.