February 12, 2025

FILE PHOTO: Nov 19, 2021; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers (27) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Nikolaj Ehlers has spent his entire NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets, but that may soon change. With just one year left on his contract, set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025, Ehlers reportedly has no plans to re-sign with the Jets, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

Jets F Nikolaj Ehlers to have sports hernia surgery | Reuters

Pagnotta reported, “The 28-year-old Dane is set to earn $6.75 million in actual salary in 2024-25, though his cap hit is $6 million. He owns a 10-team no-trade list and while he hasn’t requested a trade, he would welcome a move.”

Pagnotta added, “According to a well-placed source close to the Jets, Ehlers is not interested in signing a contract extension with the club, which is why Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring trade options. It’s unclear if Ehlers would consider an extension with a new team, but it could maximize the Jets’ return.”

Given this, it would be wise for Cheveldayoff to trade Ehlers rather than lose him for nothing in free agency. A change of scenery might benefit Ehlers despite a solid 2023-24 season.

The Jets had a strong 2023-24 regular season, winning 52 games and finishing just four points behind the President’s Trophy-winning New York Rangers. However, they were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche, continuing a trend of early exits.

Ehlers had a good regular season, scoring 25 goals and adding 36 assists in 82 games. But he struggled in the playoffs, recording just two assists in the five-game series loss to the Avalanche.

If Ehlers becomes available, many teams are expected to be interested, including the New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

With Tyler Toffoli also likely to test free agency, the Jets could lose two top scorers this offseason. Cheveldayoff aims to sign a top-four defenseman in free agency and add another forward to replace potential departures.

Winnipeg Jets coach Rick Bowness said team is hopeful that Nikolaj Ehlers  can play game 3 | Illegal Curve Hockey

It remains to be seen if Ehlers will still be with the Jets by training camp.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *