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NHL Analyst Reveals Reason why Ducks Star Centerman Could Waive No-Trade Clause for Jets

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 10:12 AM ET

NHL analyst Adam Proteau of The Hockey News revealed Ducks' Mikael Granlund could waive his no-trade clause in order to play with a Cup contender like the Jets.

When the Winnipeg Jets said Jonathan Toews would return to the NHL with his hometown team, it was a wonderful comeback story.

Two years on the sidelines due to health issues, the 37-year-old three-time Stanley Cup champion is hoping to help fuel a drive deeper into the playoffs, and maybe one final championship.

But what if it doesn't all go according to script? Jonathan Toews is returning on a one-year, performance-bonus contract: a $2 million cap charge that escalates to $7 million if the Jets capture the Cup.

It's a high-reward, low-risk acquisition by GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who wisely structured the deal to protect the team in the event Toews can't recapture his status as a second-line center.

Fortunately, the Jets do have options. With nearly $20 million in cap space available, Kevin Cheveldayoff has the flexibility to make a move. If Toews is an issue, Winnipeg can potentially look at trades to fill the middle. One name that could potentially fit is Ducks center Mikael Granlund.

If Anaheim struggles early next season, Granlund, with his no-trade clause, may enjoy a change of scenery to a title contender like Winnipeg, per NHL analyst Adam Proteau of 'The Hockey News.' His $7 million cap hit would be in reach for the Jets.

'There might be a circumstance in which newly signed Ducks center Mikael Granlund wants to play for a Cup contender. And while Granlund now has a full no-trade clause in his new deal with Anaheim, playing on a Jets team that was the top regular-season team in the league last season could appeal to Granlund'.
- Adam Proteau

Conversely, if Toews is successful, that available cap space can be used to shore up the wings and add more depth to the team. In either situation, Cheveldayoff's cap space flexibility ensures that the Jets won't be forced into a one-outcome decision.

Toews could be the ingredient Winnipeg requires, but if he isn't, Winnipeg still has the resources to go after the Cup in other ways.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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