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Elliotte Friedman Reveals The Four Teams The Hurricanes Beat Out To Land Nikolaj Ehlers

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 3:46 PM ET

The Carolina Hurricanes landed Nikolaj Ehlers on a massive deal in free agency, and now we know the four teams that they beat out to get the veteran winger.

NHL free agency has, for the most part, come to an end already, with most of the top names now officially off the board, with 28-year old Jack Roslovic likely seen as the best player still available to be acquired in free agency.

The best player to be had in free agency this season was Nikolaj Ehlers, and despite plenty of reports to the contrary, he ended up where most expected him too, signing a long-term deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Given that there weren't many top wingers available, it's no surprise that Ehlers was very coveted around the league, with no less than four other teams pursuing him right up until the moment he signed with the 'Canes.

Elliotte Friedman Reveals Four Teams Who Tried To Sign Nikolaj Ehlers

Now, thanks to Elliotte Friedman, we know who those four teams were, as he reports that Washington, Colorado and Utah were among the finalists to land the veteran Jets winger.

The fourth team involved were the Detroit Red Wings, but according to all reports, Ehlers refused to meet with them, and ultimately, he landed in Carolina among one of the most talented forward groups in the league.

One key reason that Ehlers chose Carolina was the travel schedule, as it's much easier in the Eastern Conference in Carolina than it is in Winnipeg, and unfortunately for Utah, Colorado. that could have been a crucial factor in them being passed over.

As for Detroit, it remains unknown why he refused to even entertain signing with the Red Wings.

Ultimately, Ehlers always wanted Carolina, and unless they did something wrong, he was always going to sign there this summer.

For those teams that missed out on him, they'll now need to look to the trade market to upgrade their team ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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