NHL insider Elliotte Friedman with a major update on Nikolaj Ehlers

It was a whirlwind season for Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers in 2024-25.

The 29 year old Dane put up a near career high 24 goals and 63 points in just 69 (nice) games with the Jets this season. A stellar output, especially considering the injury he suffered late in the season. He was inserted into the Jets' lineup midway through their opening round series against the St. Louis Blues and managed give goals and seven points in eight games during the post-season. 

The moment that the Jets were eliminated from the playoffs Ehlers boarded a flight to his native Denmark to help the Danes to a crazy, improbable victory over Canada at the World Championships.

And if that weren't enough, Ehlers is a pending free agent who can hit the open market on July 1st.

So... what's next for the shifty winger who has spent his entire professional career as a member of the Jets?

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports on today's episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast that Ehlers' priority in free agency is to sign with a Stanley Cup contender and that his monetary compensation is a secondary priority.

From Friedman:

“The one thing I’ve heard that Ehlers prefers is that he wants to be in a situation where he can win, and I think that’s more important to him than number. We’ll see if that proves to be the case, but I’ve heard that about him. Winnipeg is obviously a situation where I think you can win but Jets fans know at times the question there has been first line or top opportunity, but I’ve heard that Ehlers and a chance to win is big on his list."

To me, this points to a re-signing in Winnipeg, no?

I mean, what other contenders out there are going to be looking to sign big name, big money free agents? Then again, maybe Ehlers signs a cheap deal just to get the chance to hoist the Cup. If that's the case though, you have to imagine that Winnipeg is on his list on candidates... how great would he look on a wing with Leon Draisaitl, though? Just sayin'...