Jets Nation Mailbag: Marner’s price tag, Bennett as 2C, and Ehlers’ future

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Because the Winnipeg Jets’ offseason continues and the chatter round Nikolaj Ehlers heats up, it’s the proper time to deliver you version quantity two of the Jets Nation Mailbag.

@liverlewis on Instagram asks: “Can we afford Marner if Ehlers indicators someplace else?”

What a terrific query to begin us off — and the straightforward reply is: no.

Mitch Marner has lengthy been a star for the Toronto Maple Leafs alongside Auston Matthews, and as he approaches UFA standing this summer time, you’ll be able to guess he’s going to command a large contract. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him land a deal within the $12M–$14M AAV vary, particularly from a crew seeking to make a splash and provides him a contemporary begin.

Even when Nikolaj Ehlers is moved, I don’t see how the Jets might afford Marner. Winnipeg’s entrance workplace has made it clear that extending Kyle Connor is a prime precedence, and that extension might are available in at round $9–$10.5M AAV. On prime of that, the Jets have a number of key RFAs and UFAs to cope with — Gabriel Vilardi, Dylan Samberg, Morgan Barron, and a number of depth items.

The Jets might as an alternative look to commerce a prime participant and a few picks for a reliable second-line centre — somebody like Mason McTavish or Sam Bennett. Whereas Marner is an elite expertise, he simply doesn’t match inside Winnipeg’s monetary construction, particularly with all of the upcoming extensions on the horizon.

@carter_berntzen on Instagram asks: “Do the Jets go after Bennett this offseason?”

This ties in properly to the final query.

Sam Bennett could be a terrific possibility for the Jets of their seek for a second-line centre. He’s bodily, dependable within the playoffs, and has the form of edge this crew might actually use down the center. However buying his UFA rights probably wouldn’t come low cost. The Jets would probably want to surrender a bundle that features picks and a prospect — somebody like Brad Lambert if you need a superb second line centre.

Faceoffs have been a significant concern for Winnipeg this season. Even Mark Scheifele struggled at instances, and it’s clear that Vladislav Namestnikov isn’t a long-term 2C resolution on a real contender. Bennett, although, brings that blend of grit and expertise.

The problem? Convincing him to come back to Winnipeg. The Florida Panthers — presently wanting like Cup favourites — will probably do all the pieces they will to maintain him. And let’s face it: Winnipeg isn’t essentially the most interesting vacation spot once you’re weighing it in opposition to the seashores and buzz of Dawn, Florida. Even for those who purchase his UFA rights, signing him goes to be troublesome.

@921angus on Instagram asks: “If Ehlers doesn’t re-sign in Winnipeg, the place does he go?”

This one’s powerful to reply — not as a result of there’s no real interest in Ehlers, however as a result of so many groups might use a dynamic winger like him. That stated, my prime touchdown spot for him is Toronto.

If (or extra probably when) Marner strikes on, the Maple Leafs are going to be in search of a alternative. Toronto nonetheless sees itself as a contender, and Ehlers may very well be an ideal match of their prime six.

Experiences counsel Ehlers is prone to take a look at the open market and maximize his worth. The Leafs are projected to have round $26.8M in cap house heading into the summer time. Even when they make a last-ditch effort to re-sign Marner or John Tavares, they’ll nonetheless have the cash to make Ehlers a critical provide.

I’d count on Ehlers to command a long-term deal — in all probability seven years within the vary of $8M–$9M AAV. If Toronto affords that and Marner walks, the Leafs would nonetheless have round $18M to work with to spherical out their roster, presumably preserving Tavares whereas letting Marner go.

Backside line is that Ehlers could be an unimaginable addition to any crew, however the Leafs seem to be the almost definitely suitor if issues break that method.

Have a query for the following Jets Nation Mailbag? Drop it within the feedback or shoot us a DM on Instagram. Till subsequent time, Jets followers.

PRESENTED BY PRAIRIE TOYOTA DEALERS 

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