The Winnipeg Jets are acquiring a young defenceman. Dylan Coghlan is being traded to the Jets from the Carolina Hurricanes. The reported return is a conditional seventh-round pick, which does seem to be confirmed at this publication.
Jets Acquire UFA Defenceman
Believe Winnipeg will be acquiring D Dylan Coghlan from Carolina, too
RFA with a big shot
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 5, 2024
As Coghlan is a restricted free agent, the Jets will need to sign him to a contract once the trade is completed. The Hurricanes are acquiring a conditional seventh-round pick in exchange.
The 26-year old defenceman went undrafted but the Golden Knights signed him to an entry-level contract in 2017. Coghlan developed well in Vegas, spending another year back in junior, and another two in the AHL, before being added to the taxi squad role for the 2020-21 season. Coghlan recorded 19 points in 88 games the following two seasons while primarily serving as an extra defenceman. His time in Vegas came to an end when he was sent to Carolina as part of the Max Pacioretty trade in the summer of 2022.
Chances Were Few In Carolina
Coghlan had a rough first season with the Hurricanes. He only played in 17 games and struggled to find a role with the team. This continued into the next season, where Coghlan was sent on loan to the Springfield Thunderbirds, the St. Louis Blues American Hockey League affiliate. The Hurricanes did this due to not having a set minor league affiliate at the time. Coghlan was an All-Star in the AHL with the Thunderbirds. Coghlan led AHL defenceman with 16 goals.
Despite the success in the AHL, it does not seem Coghlan would have a role with the Hurricanes. Futhermore, the Hurricanes may have traded him now while he value was high following an All-Star season.
What this Trade Means For the Jets
While the Jets still need to sign Coghlan, there is no reason to believe they will not. The Jets are looking for defensive depth after losing Brenden Dillon in free agency and buying out Nate Schmidt. They’ve already brought in veteran Colin Miller. Miller will likely compete against Coghlan’s for minute. Both have strong, right-handed shots.
What This Trade Means for Coghlan
Coming off an All-Star season, even in the AHL, Coghlan will likely be on the Jets radar in training camp and the preseason. Coghlan may have his best opportunity yet to make a NHL roster and receive regular minutes. The Jets are a Stanley Cup Playoff contender, so while they would gladly take production from Coghlan, they also will not hesitate to bench him of there is no production.
Main photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
