Nikolaj Ehlers has found a new home.
The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Thursday they have signed the Danish forward to a six-year contract valued at $51 million. Ehlers departs the Winnipeg Jets, where he spent his entire career.
The 29-year-old was originally selected ninth overall by the Jets in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Last season, he registered 24 goals and 39 assists across 69 games, contributing to the Jets` Presidents` Trophy win. Despite debuting late in the postseason due to injury, Ehlers added 5 goals and 2 assists in 8 playoff contests.
Over his 674 career games, Ehlers has accumulated 515 points (225 goals, 290 assists), placing him seventh among players from the 2014 draft class.
Despite averaging just 16 minutes and 26 seconds of ice time and frequently being utilized on Winnipeg`s second power-play unit, the 6-foot, 172-pound winger has achieved the 60-point milestone four times in his career.
His previous contract, which commenced in the 2018-19 season, was a six-year deal worth a total of $42 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $6 million.
Ehlers now joins the Hurricanes, a team that has recently been a strong contender, reaching the Eastern Conference Final in two of the past three seasons.
Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition: “Nikolaj was the top free agent available on July 1, and we are proud that he’s chosen to make Carolina his home. He’s a highly skilled winger who can really skate and will fit very well with our forward group.”
Tristan Blackwood