Top Available Free Agent Nikolaj Ehlers Signs Massive Contract With New Team

The 29-year-old winger spent his entire NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets, logging 674 games and recording 225 goals and 520 points in nine years.

Ehlers' career high was during the 2016-17 season with 64 points, but he's been a reliable two-way forward throughout his career. Even last season, he had 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points in 69 games, just a point short of his career high.

Despite missing 13 games last season due to injury, Ehlers remained one of the good free agents available.

Ranked only second to Mitch Marner in UFAs, his name became the center of most attention, especially following the sign-and-trade that was completed between the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs.

Even though he was behind Marner's production last season by over 30 points, Ehlers offers the same type of hockey, which is speedy, skilled, and consistent in all facets.

AFP Analytics pegged him at an $8.1 million AAV, a fair price for a player on this level and caliber. He ultimately signed a six-year deal with an annual average value of $8.5 million.

Where toughness has sometimes been a problem, Ehlers' attitude and work ethic are never to be questioned. The Hurricanes are getting a high-skilled, hard-working winger who still has plenty of his best years left.