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NHL Insider Makes Claim About Nikolaj Ehlers' Preference for His Next Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 7:58 AM ET

Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers is expected to draw interest from multiple teams this offseason, but not every suitor may fit his personal preferences, and that might limit his potential landing spots ahead of the start of free agency on July 1.

According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, the Jets winger is leaning toward signing with a franchise based on a more low-profile environment as he approaches unrestricted free agency.

“There’s a sense with Ehlers that he’d like to go to a place that’s pretty quiet,” Dreger said on TSN’s "Fanduel Overdrive" on Wednesday. “And when I think of Winnipeg compared to Toronto or Montreal or New York or any of the big markets, Winnipeg is small and would be pretty quiet.”

"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

Dreger said that if Ehlers is looking for even more privacy than Winnipeg, that could be a challenge for him choosing a place, let alone having that choice to start with as those teams would need to bid for him first.

“If he’s looking for more privacy than what he might have in Winnipeg, then that might be a challenge in terms of many that dip their toe into the market,” Dreger said. “But he’ll have a strong audience if he gets to July 1st.”

Ehlers, 29, is coming off a productive season with 63 points in 69 games. He added seven points in eight playoff appearances.

The Jets winger, no matter what, is expected to be one of the top wingers available if he hits the open market. Daily Faceoff projects Ehlers to sign a six-year, $48.6 million contract.

Elliotte Friedman recently confirmed that Ehlers is likely to test free agency and labeled him as the next-best option after Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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