NHL Free Agency: Nikolaj Ehlers Named Perfect Fit For One Team
The Ottawa Senators are being linked to Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers as a potential offseason acquisition, with multiple insiders identifying him as a perfect target to boost the club’s forward depth.
Among them is Sportsnet’s Alex Adams, who wrote that Ehlers would be “the perfect player to put beside Tim Stützle,” citing his elite speed, shot, and ability to inject dynamic scoring into the top six.
Nikolaj Ehlers is heading to Denmark for the rest of the World Championship. pic.twitter.com/1OQFPItMyd
— Morgan (@FandomFreeFall) May 19, 2025
Senators Eye Nikolaj Ehlers as Ideal Offseason Fit for Top-Six
Ehlers, 28, has just finished the final year of his seven-year, $42 million contract and is widely expected to become a top free agent this summer. With the Senators flush with over $17.5 million in cap space and GM Steve Staios open to adding “marquee players,” Ehlers presents an intriguing fit for a team looking to take the next step after its first playoff appearance since 2017.
"This crowd is so good to us every single night. And here in the playoffs it's been so special."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 16, 2025
Nikolaj Ehlers shows some love to the Jets crowd in his postgame interview with @ScottOake pic.twitter.com/4Lh32GxeAM
While acquiring Ehlers won't be simple given Ottawa’s need to re-sign RFAs like Fabian Zetterlund and Tyler Kleven, and possibly UFA Claude Giroux, the Senators do hold trade capital to make other moves.
Their 2025 first-round pick and cap-friendly contracts like Drake Batherson could form the foundation of potential deals. As Adams suggests, Ehlers checks all the right boxes—and for a team poised to build around its young core, he could be the exact piece they need.
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
