A worst-case scenario could also lead to Ehlers being traded, and dealing a top-six player is not a good look for a team that considers itself a Stanley Cup contender. The dynamic forward is a pending unrestricted free agent in the last season of his contract, and if the Jets haven't re-signed him and aren't competitive by the 2025 Trade Deadline, Cheveldayoff may be forced to swap him for future assets to avoid losing him for nothing.