Nikolaj Ehlers Nearly Traded to the Eastern Conference in Failed Blockbuster, Per Elliotte Friedman

The Winnipeg Jets and Nikolaj Ehlers continue to try and close the gap on a contract extension as free agency approaches.

The Jets have indicated they would like Ehlers back if the contract makes sense for both sides, however to this point no deal has been struck.

With Ehlers' future in Winnipeg looking more bleak by the day, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has now confirmed that the team had an opportunity to trade the star winger at the deadline but turned down a major offer.

According to the report from Friedman, at the trade deadline the Jets were in discussions with the Carolina Hurricanes regarding a trade centered around Ehlers.

The deal would have sent Ehlers to Carolina with Martin Necas coming back the other way to the Jets.

The deal ultimately fell through as the Jets did not believe they could sign Necas to a long-term deal.

Instead, Necas was part of the trade that would send Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche to the Hurricanes.

This deal would have been huge for the Winnipeg Jets as they would have secured a young star in Necas who went on to tear it up with the Colorado Avalanche after the deadline.

Now, the Jets find themselves in the same situation they were so afraid of as they have not been able to extend Ehlers who will head to free agency.