Jeff Marek Reveals Main Reason Nikolaj Ehlers Chose to Sign With the Carolina Hurricanes

NHL insider Jeff Marek revealed the reason Nikolaj Ehlers chose to sign with the Hurricanes is because they offered the most term than anyone else.

The Winnipeg Jets finished the 2024-25 season with the league's best regular-season record but crashed in the playoffs without making it to at least the third round for the third consecutive season.

Then, a few days into free agency, star forward Nikolaj Ehlers left the team to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent.

The 29-year-old forward signed a massive six-year, $51 million contract with the Hurricanes in free agency, ending a decade-long spectacular run with the Jets.

Nikolaj Ehlers spoke candidly about what led to his decision to leave the only franchise he had played for until this summer.

'I told (the Jets) they didn't do anything wrong,' Ehlers said. 'I loved it there. I love the organization, the people in it, the guys. They became family. The city of Winnipeg, the fans, everyone that's played in Winnipeg knows how incredible it is to play there.

'For me, it was more about trying something new and challenging myself.'

The Capitals likely offered two to three years less term than Carolina

He made it clear that the choice to open a new chapter was not about dissatisfaction with the Jets, but rather about personal growth and facing a new challenge; however, NHL insider Jeff Marek believes contract term played a factor.