Huge update on Nikolaj Ehlers future

Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that pending UFA Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets will be hitting free agency on July 1st. A Manitoba return has not been ruled out, but this suggests his time there will likely be coming to an end as he hits the open market.

The 29 year old forward will be among the most coveted pieces of the offseason as he is a top line producer in the prime of his career. For those teams that come up short in the Mitch Marner sweepstakes, Ehlers would be a solid consolation prize.  

The 10 year Jets veteran recorded 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points in 69 games with the club last season. He was one of their top producers in the playoffs as well, tallying 5 goals and 2 assists in 8 games. Over the course of his decade long stint with the Jets, Ehlers has registered 225 goals and 295 assists for 520 points in 674 games. 

It will be interesting to see what destination Ehlers lands in. Insider Chris Johnston had previously reported that Carolina and Chicago make the most sense. Wherever he lands, we will see what the contract/term looks like.

As for the Jets, they will likely be losing a key part of this teams core. They will have to look to replace his production elsewhere. So far this offseason they have already brought Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews to the fold, it will be fascinating to see what further moves they make to bolster this hopeful contending squad.