We are T-minus two days away from the NHL’s 2:00 p.m. CT trade deadline, and Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has yet to make a move, but that could change before Friday, especially when it comes to the future of defenceman Logan Stanley.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on Tuesday that the Jets have set a high asking price for the six-foot-seven defenceman, but teams are seemingly not biting.

GMs around the league have seemingly realized that a first-round pick would be a steep price for a player like Stanley. Does that mean you don’t trade him if you’re the Jets? No. Winnipeg should still look to maximize his value, even if that return ends up being a second-round pick and an additional asset.

Stanley signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract on July 6, 2024, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $1.25 million. His deal expires at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

The Jets currently sit nine points out of a playoff spot with 22 games remaining, a significant deficit at this stage of the season. Winnipeg should approach this year’s deadline as a seller, and that process could begin with Stanley, whose value may be at an all-time high. In a disappointing season, acquiring future assets makes sense, particularly for a defenceman who is, at best, a third-pairing option.

With defenceman Josh Morrissey still sidelined, Stanley has stepped into a first-pairing role alongside Dylan DeMelo and has also seen time on the top power-play unit, usage that could further boost his trade value and is something Cheveldayoff should take note of.

This team is nowhere near being a legitimate playoff contender, and betting on a sudden turnaround next season is far from guaranteed. If there’s an opportunity to add draft capital or additional assets, it’s one the organization needs to take advantage of.

Stanley, 27, has nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 59 games this season. He was drafted 18th overall in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.