The Winnipeg Jets are certainly an intriguing team to watch with the 2025-26 season almost here. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25, the Jets’ roster has gone through some notable changes this summer.
The Jets made multiple additions to their roster this offseason. They most notably signed longtime Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews to a one-year deal. They also added to their depth, signing Gustav Nyquist, Cole Koepke, and Tanner Pearson.
Yet, the biggest story of the Jets’ offseason was losing star winger Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency. After hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent (UFA), Ehlers signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. When noting that Ehlers had 24 goals and 63 points in 69 games last season, the Jets are going to miss him tremendously.
To help lessen the sting of losing Ehlers, the Jets would be wise to target a top-six winger to replace him. When looking at the names floating around the rumor mill right now, Pittsburgh Penguins star Rickard Rakell stands out big time.
Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade proposal that has the Jets acquiring Rakell in a big splash.
Jets Get:
- Rickard Rakell
Penguins Get:
- 2026 First-Round Pick
- Kevin He
- David Gustafsson
Rakell Would Give Jets’ Top Six Major Upgrade
The Penguins are in the middle of a rebuild, so Rakell was the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason. This is expected to only continue as the 2025-26 season begins, as he is a veteran forward who would be a big-time pickup for teams looking for a top-six forward.
Rakell is also coming off a strong 2024-25 season, so his trade value is higher right now. In 81 games during this past campaign with the Penguins, he recorded 35 goals and 70 points, which are now his career highs. With numbers like these, he would be a major addition to a Jets team that needs another skilled forward.
When looking at the Jets’ current roster, there is no question that they could use another top-six forward after losing Ehlers. Because of this, Rakell could slot perfectly on their second line at right wing. Furthermore, due to his high offensive skill, he would give the Jets’ power play a real boost if acquired.
Rakell would also be more than a rental for the Jets if acquired. This is because he has a $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Why The Jets Could Land Rakell With This Trade Offer
With Rakell coming off a strong season and having a good contract, he has high value. Due to this, the starting point in any potential Rakell trade would likely be a first-round pick.
Kevin He could be a prospect that grabs the Penguins’ attention in a potential move. The 2024 fourth-round pick is a skilled forward coming off a solid season. In 62 games with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL, he posted 36 goals and 75 points.
As for Gustafsson, the Penguins would be bringing in a 25-year-old forward who could work in their bottom six. In 36 games this past season with Winnipeg, he posted two goals, four assists, and a plus-10 rating.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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