Apr 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) skates with the puck during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Jets' Star Forward Heading to Free Agency

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Nick Horwat | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 3:06 PM ET

Nikolaj Ehlers has likely played his final game with the Winnipeg Jets after 10 seasons. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Ehlers has informed the Jets that he will test the free agent market.

Ehlers was a first-round draft pick of the Jets in 2014 (ninth overall) and has been a key of their forward group ever since his NHL debut in 2015. In 674 games with the Jets, Ehlers has recorded 225 goals and 295 assists for 520 total points.

Hearing Nikolaj Ehlers has informed the Jets he will go to free agency on July 1

Door not closed on Manitoba, but will test the market
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 26, 2025

Yet to hit the 30-goal mark in a single season, Ehlers’ career high in tallies came in 2017-18 with a 29-goal campaign. The previous season, he had his best year production wise, notching 64 points (25G-39A) in 82 games played.

This past season, Ehlers nearly matched his 2016-17 campaign with 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 total points.

With Ehlers hitting the open market, he will become one of the most coveted forwards available. Over the course of his career, Ehlers has proven to be one of the most consistent forwards in the NHL, routinely putting up over 50 points.

At 29 years old, Ehlers is coming off of a deal that earned him $6 million and he is sure to fetch a raise from free agency.

Throughout the 2024-25 NHL season, and even before puck drop on the year, Ehlers heard his name quite a bit in trade rumors. The Jets ultimately held onto the Denmark native, and are likely seeing him walk to free agency.

Ehlers is sure to have plenty of teams looking to add his talents as a consistent top-six points producer. Friedman notes that the door is not closed on a return to the Jets, but things look unlikely if 31 other teams have the option to make a better offer.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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