Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers informed the team that he will test Unrestricted Free Agency when it opens on July 1st.
The news comes as a surprise to some, but not to others. The 29-year-old, Danish-born forward was drafted ninth overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has played all 10 of his NHL seasons with the Jets.
Ehlers posted 520 points (225G, 295A) in 674 games with the Jets. He added 21 points (9G, 12A) in 45 career postseason games. When Ehlers was given a runway, he soared in a top-line role, but never got the runway long-term to show what he is capable of.
While Ehlers mentioned that winning is important to wherever he signs, it is also important to note that opportunity will certainly play a factor in his decision to sign. It will be weird to see Ehlers in an opposing uniform, rather than the Jets’ uniform, when he flies up and down the ice.
The Jets will have a winger position to fill, either internally or externally, and it will be a storyline throughout the entire 2025-26 season until it’s fixed. Coming off a 63-point (24G, 39A) season in 69 games played, Ehlers will likely command a hefty raise on the open market.
It will be interesting to see if there’s a sliver still if the Jets can retain Ehlers, but knowing there are others ready to bid higher and attract Ehlers to their team, July 1st marks the new start for Nikolaj Ehlers.
ITR 49: For Real This Time – Inside The Rink
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