Nikolaj Ehlers is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing free agents heading into the offseason. After spending his entire 10-year NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets, signs are pointing to the 29-year-old forward hitting the open market.
And although Ehlers has consistently posted solid numbers, it’s widely believed that he’s yet to reach his full offensive potential, largely due to a lack of significant ice time in Winnipeg.
As speculation builds around his future, some fans have linked Ehlers to the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially as the franchise prepares for major changes under general manager Brad Treliving. However, veteran NHL insider Chris Johnston has firmly pushed back on those rumors.
Chris Johnston Thinks Nikolaj Ehlers Does Not Fit in the Maple Leafs’ Vision
Speaking on The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said: “I’d be surprised. Nik Ehlers is a great player. He’s not going to come at a cheap price. He’ll be in demand. When Brad Treliving’s talking about a DNA change, he’s not talking about a smaller skilled player like Ehlers I don’t think. I would be very, very surprised if Ehlers was on the radar for the Leafs.”
Johnston’s comments suggest that while Ehlers may be attractive to other teams, he doesn’t fit the mold of what the Leafs are looking to add, likely targeting more of his two-way presence in their lineup rather than finesse-oriented wingers.
Recently, Darren Dreger joined FanDuel’s OverDrive podcast with Bryan Hayes, Jeff O’Neill, and Jamie McLennan to talk about Nikolaj Ehlers’ future as he heads toward free agency, including potential landing spots and which Canadian teams might make a push for him.
Dreger mentioned, “Winnipeg would definitely prefer to keep Nikolaj Ehlers. There is a sense with Ehlers that he wants to go to a quiet place.”
“Winnipeg would definitely prefer to keep Nikolaj Ehlers. There is a sense with Ehlers that he wants to go to a quiet place.”@DarrenDreger discusses the future of Ehlers and his preferred options entering free agency. #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/s0vIq6xvHB
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) June 18, 2025
Ehlers, who began his hockey journey in Switzerland under the guidance of his father, Heinz, a professional coach, has since carved out a successful NHL career. Before making it to the league, he made waves with the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), showcasing the speed, vision, and skill that still define his game today.
If the Leafs aren’t in the running, which teams might step up, apart from the Jets?
On paper, the New York Islanders also appear to be a realistic destination. They’ve long needed a spark in their top-six forward group, and Ehlers, who signed a $42 million, seven-year contract extension with the Jets in 2017, could offer just that, assuming the price tag doesn’t become a hurdle.
Despite his undeniable skill and production rate, Ehlers has averaged just 16:26 of ice time per game over his career. He has only topped 17 minutes per game twice. That’s surprising for a player who ranks first among Jets players in 5-on-5 points per 60 minutes over the past decade, with a mark of 2.28.
Those numbers reflect a player who could have put up far bigger stats with more opportunity, making him a high-upside addition for any team willing to give him top-line minutes.
Now, as July 1 approaches, Ehlers presents a compelling option for teams seeking to boost their offensive depth. If Winnipeg can’t reach an agreement, and the Leafs are indeed out of the mix, teams like the Islanders, with a clear need in the top six, may be inclined to pursue him.
The key will be whether a team is ready to commit both financially and in terms of role. For a player like Ehlers, opportunity may matter just as much as the paycheck.
