Hurricanes Win The Nikolaj Ehlers Sweepstakes

Hurricanes Win The Nikolaj Ehlers Sweepstakes

Nikolaj Ehlers has picked his next destination. After spending the last ten years in Winnipeg, Ehlers is on the move. Instead of sticking around with the Jets, he’s decided to sign up for six years in Carolina. The Canes have won the free agency sweepstakes for the Danish winger.

The Hurricanes released a presser announcing the news that Ehlers is inking a contract with the club. The new deal will carry an AAV of $8.5 million. GM Eric Tulsky also gave a brief statement in the presser.

“RALEIGH, N.C. – Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Nikolaj Ehlers on a six-year contract. The deal will pay Ehlers an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season.”

“Nikolaj was the top free agent available on July 1, and we are proud that he’s chosen to make Carolina his home,” said Tulsky. “He’s a highly-skilled winger who can really skate and will fit very well with our forward group.”

Nikolaj Ehlers Says No Thanks To Extension With Jets

Ehlers, 29, posted 63 points and a +14 rating in 69 games last season for the Jets. I’d imagine he’s going to be the first line left winger skating with Sebastian Aho with Seth Jarvis joining them on the right side. You can do far worse if that’s your first line. Carolina still doesn’t have a second line center, but luckily, they have a liar to make up one for them.

Ehlers brings a ton of punch offensively. The metrics here speak for themselves.

You might find it odd that his card says "3rd liner" – that's because the Jets have constantly seen fit to limit his minutes. Maybe they shouldn't be so surprised that he's chosen to go elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/SBZqRtDmOI

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 3, 2025

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