Scott Arniel Reveals Emotional Call from Nikolaj Ehlers After Shocking Carolina Signing

Jets head coach Scott Arniel spoke to the media today and revealed the emotional call he had with Nikolaj Ehlers after his Carolina signing, saying he was in tears.

Nikolaj Ehlers is heading to the Carolina Hurricanes on a six-year deal, marking a fresh start for the skilled winger after a decade in Winnipeg.

The 29-year-old will add speed, creativity, and power-play punch to a Hurricanes team hungry to get over the hump in the playoffs.

Ehlers tallied 63 points in 69 games in his first season with the Jets, a career-high 22 of those points being power-play tallies.

A regular second-line and second power-play unit player with the Jets, he did see first-unit minutes on occasion under head coach Scott Arniel last season.

He should have a greater offensive role in Carolina, where he can be a game-changer on a power play unit that finished just 25th in the league (18.7%) and struggled during the playoffs.

Ehlers was nearly brought to tears as he said goodbye to Arniel on the phone

Arniel revealed how Ehlers personally called him to give him the news, a call that turned into a tearful one. Arniel said that Ehlers was nearly in tears on the phone and that they had a great conversation.

Ehlers needed a change of scenery and said it was nothing against the city of Winnipeg, the team, or their fans.

'He called me yesterday. Almost in tears.'

Says they have a great conversation. Ehlers ultimately told him he 'needed a change of scenery and that it was nothing personal about the team, the city.'

- Scott Arniel