Winnipeg Jets trade rumors: Team kicking tires on center

The loss of star center Mark Scheifele has the Winnipeg Jets exploring the trade market for help down the middle.

Going into the 2017-18 NHL season, the Winnipeg Jets knew their forward depth would determine whether they would sink or swim. With the regular season roughly halfway over, it’s safe to say it’s been more of the latter.

However, Mark Scheifele’s injury has general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff searching the trade market for some help at center, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

"Still, and even though Scheifele will be back before the trade deadline, sources suggest Cheveldayoff is making the rounds seeing what’s out there as a potential center pickup."

More from Puck Prose

LeBrun spoke more on this topic during a Monday afternoon interview on TSN 1290.

For several reasons, it’s going to be really interesting to see what the Jets do. First of all, Cheveldayoff has never made a meaningful draft pick for player trade. He acquired Jiri Tlusty and Jay Harrison during the 2014-15 season, but it would be a stretch to call either of them significant.

This is mostly because the Jets have rarely found themselves in a position to be a buyer. It should be interesting to see how Cheveldayoff does, especially since it’s hard to see him getting rid of a roster player in the process.

Secondly, the Jets, through no fault of their own, are a bit limited as far as who makes sense for them. Looking at their salary cap situation, they have to give long-term deals to defenseman Jacob Trouba and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets would probably like to get something long-term done with Josh Morrissey as well. So Winnipeg is likely limited to rental options.

Options

Here’s a look at all of the centers who will be unrestricted free agents after this season. You can cross off guys like Joe Thornton and Paul Stastny because, barring something unforeseen, neither the Sharks nor the Blues are going to be selling at the trade deadline.

There’s a non-zero chance of John Tavares becoming available, but that’s a pipe dream at best. Though the Jets are one of the few teams who have the assets required to tempt the New York Islanders to trade their captain.

Mark Letestu of the Edmonton Oilers could make sense as a bottom-six forward. And it never hurts to have forward depth. He’s a versatile forward who can contribute effectively to both the power play and penalty kill. Andrew Cogliano of the Anaheim Ducks is a very similar forward who would be a nice fit on Winnipeg’s third line.

Next: Each NHL Team's New Year's Resolution

Guys like Letestu are far more likely to be trade targets than the big guns. But the Jets have the ammunition to pull off a huge heist. This year’s just not a very good year to do it. Because other than Tavares, there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference maker as far as centers.

Be sure to check out our Rumors page for up to date trade rumors and analysis!

Home/Rumors