Jets Urged to Target Top-Six Forward as Utah Trade Rumors Swirl-'Still Slightly Meatless'

Utah is reportedly looking to add more size and grit this offseason after he recently said they were 'still slightly meatless'.

Nick Schmaltz Will Be an Unrestricted Free Agent After Next Season

With that in mind, Nick Schmaltz, entering the final year of his seven-year, $5.8 million AAV contract, could be on the move after posting 58+ points in four straight seasons.

The Jets, meanwhile, are in need of top-end offensive help following the free-agent departure of Nikolaj Ehlers when he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.

While they added Gustav Nyquist, who had 75 points in 2023-24, the veteran winger is coming off a down year, and there are no guarantees that he will bounce back.

Schmaltz could offer a more stable offensive option, which means they wouldn't need to rely on Gustav Nyquist so much.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman recently noted on his '32 Thoughts' podcast that Utah is still hunting for more grit. He also mentioned Schmaltz's uncertain future with the team after the Mammoth added star forward JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres.

If the Jets were to add Schmaltz, this would be a clear «win-now» move, and one the team could manage by moving a big body like Morgan Barron to free up some salary under the cap.