Jamie Benn for Nikolaj Ehlers

[Crazy Joe Davola]

It may be the fantasy offseason doldrums.. it may be the painkillers as I lay motionless after sports hernia surgery, or it may be a decent idea..

But I'm super tempted to move Benn for Ehlers straight up.

We all know the reasons: Down season for the Big Benn with declining SOG's and other offensive metrics the last couple of seasons. Dallas with Hitch is either scary for the offense, or perhaps a jolt in the arm for the good...

Meanwhile, Ehlers is on a path to stardom next to Laine and Scheifele.. and is 8 years younger.

I'd love a piece of that Jet's offense moving forward.


Does anyone feel like talking me on or off the ledge?

Thanks! Rep. Rep.

[pmorrow]

I think you could get Ehlers for less than Benn. I agree with targeting him, but try some other player or combination of players to get him. You have lots of interesting names at every position.

[hockeyrobot]

I think you could get Ehlers for less than Benn. I agree with targeting him, but try some other player or combination of players to get him. You have lots of interesting names at every position.

Agreed 100%. There has to be another option other than Benn here. Even if you did Ehlers plus some picks....I think I would rather keep Benn and deal someone else.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

He's pretty much outlined Benn as the only 'realistic' return.

I could maybe push Guentzel, but frankly, I'm not sure I prefer Ehlers over Pretzel.

[CascadeFilly]

Benn over Ehlers, but definitely Ehlers over Guentzel. If you can make Guentzel for Ehlers happen, even with a pick or something, I'd hop on that.

[MZac]

Definite no for me on this trade. This is buying low on benn. Don't get sucked in. I want benn for at least 2 more years . If you are going to trade him you can get more for name value and at minimum the Ehlers owner should be adding.

[Sulla]

Straight points then I prefer Benn even with a potential drop off as he ages

[hockeymanG23]

I expect them to be close in points next year with the edge to Ehlers beyond that. A do agree that you should be able to squeeze something extra out of it but it certainly not crazy to consider.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

I see them being right near each other next season and with the age discrepancy and the talent in Winnipeg, it's not a stretch to think Ehlers overtakes him by 2018-19.

That said, I think I'm going to roll the dice that Hitchcock boosts both Seguin and Benn by making the entire team better and challenging them.

[Axeman33]

I love Ehlers but there's no way I'm moving Benn for him if I am in your shoes. Surely you can get more from him than Ehlers straight up for Jamie Benn. If not, step off the ledge and keep Benn.

[VincentVega]

Unless there are cap considerations, I don't know why this is even a question. Benn and it's not even close.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

Unless there are cap considerations, I don't know why this is even a question. Benn and it's not even close.

They were close in points this year and one could argue that Ehlers is on the ups while Benn is likely at the plateau stage before the slow decline.. if we're not already in the start of decline.

I get the name value and this history of Benny (whom I love having) but I see Ehlers on a similar trajectory to Kucherov - a guy who most wouldn't have done a Benn for Kucherov deal last summer, but couldn't this summer due to Kuch's big year and age.

[VincentVega]

They were close in points this year and one could argue that Ehlers is on the ups while Benn is likely at the plateau stage before the slow decline.. if we're not already in the start of decline.

I get the name value and this history of Benny (whom I love having) but I see Ehlers on a similar trajectory to Kucherov - a guy who most wouldn't have done a Benn for Kucherov deal last summer, but couldn't this summer due to Kuch's big year and age.

Benn will be better. He had an off year. He is a PPG player. Ehlers isn't and likely won't be. Just because Kucherov did, it doesn't mean Ehlers will too. Kucherov is more talented.

[Jouko-Pouko]

They were close in points this year and one could argue that Ehlers is on the ups while Benn is likely at the plateau stage before the slow decline.. if we're not already in the start of decline.

I get the name value and this history of Benny (whom I love having) but I see Ehlers on a similar trajectory to Kucherov - a guy who most wouldn't have done a Benn for Kucherov deal last summer, but couldn't this summer due to Kuch's big year and age.

I wouldn't lose any sleep over the fact that I have Benn when I could have had Kucherov. Maybe you lose a few points but you kept the sure thing in Benn. Benn had a horrible season, Kucherov could just as easily have a horrible season next year.

And Ehlers could just as easily become a disappointment in fantasy hockey. Or need another 3-4 years before he takes the next step. You might gain 5-10 points but you might lose 10-20 points. I just wouldn't take that risk.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

Yeah that's all good points, and are why I've decided to hold onto Benn. That and it's not cool to sell low. Hate selling low.

Thanks team!