12 Free Agent Destinations Where Nikolaj Ehlers Would Be A First Line Player

Nikolaj Ehlers appears to want to test free agency in the hopes of signing with a team where he will be a first line player. He is a winger, so there's two potential spots on every team that may have interest and cap space to sign him. He is going to be stuck on the second line on the Winnipeg Jets because of Kyle Connor and Gabe Vilardi who both have great chemistry with Mark Scheifele.

This of course means that Ehlers doesn't have as strong of linemates and will thus produce a little less. He is still on the top power-play unit in Winnipeg, but that doesn't seem to matter. So where could Ehlers go where he can be a top line winger for at least some of his big free agent contract?

Anaheim Ducks - Soon to be 35-year-old Alex Killorn, who put up 19 goals and 37 points, is currently slotted in on the top line right wing. Ehlers would replace him and play with Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, which would make for a dynamic line and the Ducks would have their big free agent addition to put them over the top.

Boston Bruins - Morgan Geekie did very well scoring 33 goals this season and played a good amount on the top line. David Pastrnak is a shoe-in for the top line as he is one of the best players in the league, but Geekie would have to be dropped down and break up that chemistry for Ehlers to be happy. The Bruins desperately need forwards though.

Calgary Flames - If the Flames are looking to take a step forward, Ehlers would be a great addition to add more scoring. Jonathan Huberdeau or Connor Zary would have to be moved down to the second line, but even Matthew Coronato is capable of playing top line minutes. It could work and Calgary would make promises like top line minutes to get Ehlers to sign.

Chicago Blackhawks - Ehlers would be the highest goal scorer on the team and best points producer based on points-per-game. He was on a much better team, but there's no doubt the Blackhawks would play him on the top line with Connor Bedard. There is more than enough cap space and a need to grab a high-end player.

LA Kings - To complete the top-9 of the Kings, Ehlers could be a great addition to the top line if enough cap space is allotted there. Alex Turcotte is expected to skate with Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe while Kevin Fiala always plays on a different line. There is an opening and the team has to do something to get past the Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs.

Minnesota Wild - If the Minnesota Wild want to spread out the scoring more and have more options, bringing in Ehlers would be the right move. Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Matt Boldy playing on the same line outmatches almost any line in the league, but the rest of the team doesn't create much when they're not on the ice. Boldy is regularly on the second line, so Ehlers could be the top line winger with speed to finally add the big piece the Wild have room to add.

New Jersey Devils - Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen should not be top-6 wingers on a team that can go on a deep run if healthy. Timo Meier or Jesper Bratt could easily shift down to the second line to spread out the scoring and play with Nico Hischier while Ehlers be the addition and change the GM was talking about. If healthy, a Devils team with Ehlers would be a serious contender and the team has saved money on deals with their stars.

New York Islanders - The Islanders need a change, and if they are going to try to get better with a new GM, adding a player like Ehlers would be a great start. Playing him and Mat Barzal together would give that line a lot of speed and there is room on the top line if Anders Lee moves down.

Pittsburgh Penguins - The Penguins still might have a little life left if the offseason goes right. Evgeni Malkin has desperately needed wingers these past two years as Sidney Crosby has gotten Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell most of the time. If Ehlers is added in to play alongside Crosby on the top line, one of the other top wingers on the team can play with Malkin, likely Rust. A bigger change has to be made in Pittsburgh.

San Jose Sharks - The Sharks need additions on the wing and a veteran like Ehlers in his prime would be the right player to mix in with the young and talented players that were drafted. Either Tyler Toffoli or William Eklund would have to move off of the top line, but that isn't any sweat with the second line needing to look better.

Toronto Maple Leafs - If Mitch Marner signs somewhere else in free agency, there is more than enough cap space to bring in a replacement in Ehlers. There's a great chance Ehlers is better in games 5-7 in the playoffs than Marner and wouldn't cost nearly as much as Marner is reportedly wanting on his next contract. The Maple Leafs would need to fill the hole that is left on the top line.

Vancouver Canucks - The Canucks desperately need some help up front, especially after losing the production of J.T. Miller last season. Ehlers would easily be able to slot in on the top line and possibly help Elias Pettersson get back on track. The Canucks have to try to get better for the sake of keeping Quinn Hughes around.