Chicago Blackhawks set to acquire $42M star forward in free agency: per report

The Chicago Blackhawks have guided Connor Bedard through two years with questionable lineup choices. Though the veterans Davidson signed imparted meaningful wisdom to Bedard, they weren't the right players to push the rebuild forward.

With a new Head Coach in Jeff Blashill, Kyle Davidson should consider adding a new linemate for Connor Bedard.

That could come from Western Conference foes, the Winnipeg Jets, in Danish forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

Ehlers would slot in on the top six and could provide the kind of play Bedard has been dreaming of. With his quick skating, sniping, and playmaking abilities, he and Bedard could feed off one another on the 1st line.

This season, he's scored a total of 63 points (24 goals, 39 assists) in 69 games with the Jets. His contract, which pays him $6 million AAV, will expire at the end of the season, making him a UFA.

The Blackhawks may have to beat out multiple bidders for Ehlers, as he won't be as prolific in free agency, but will have suitors.

AFP Analytics projects Ehlers' next contract to be one, the Blackhawks could easily place underneath their $30 million salary cap at a six-year, $8.1 million.

If Davidson is serious about improving the lineup and pushing the rebuild forward, they could target Ehlers, who has played his entire NHL career as a Jet.

It remains to be seen whether or not he and Cheveldayoff could come to terms, considering the team will have to re-sign Gabe Vilardi and Dylan Samberg. They'll also have to consider an extension for Kyle Connor.

Is Ehlers' time in Winnipeg at an end?