NHL Free Agency: Insider Names Two Teams As Frontrunners For Nikolaj Ehlers
On The Chris Johnston Show, the TSN reporter stated that Ehlers is “likely” to hit the market, and both Chicago and Carolina “could make a lot of sense” as potential destinations.
Carolina Could Be the Perfect Fit for Ehlers’ Speed and Skill
The Hurricanes have been chasing top-tier forward talent for the past few seasons, swinging on Jake Guentzel and even poking around Mikko Rantanen. With over $28 million in cap space, Carolina is well-positioned to make a competitive offer.
Ehlers’ elite skating and playmaking ability could slot perfectly into Carolina’s puck-possession system. If the Hurricanes are looking for a slightly more affordable, versatile alternative to Mitch Marner, Ehlers fits the bill, and he’d likely step into a top-line role right away.
Looks like Nikolaj Ehlers will hit the FA market. I believe Ehlers will be among the TOP signings in the off-season. He's an elite winger & I guess Ehlers will not ask for more than $9.5M per season. pic.twitter.com/ezlo3MNOld
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) June 8, 2025
Blackhawks Eye Ehlers as Bedard’s Potential Running Mate
Meanwhile, in Chicago, GM Kyle Davidson is still in the talent-collection phase of the rebuild, but the team has already shown its intent by adding veterans like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen. Ehlers, though, would be a different level of acquisition.
The 29-year-old winger could immediately boost Connor Bedard’s offensive output, giving the Blackhawks a dynamic duo to build around. With ample cap room and a young core in place, Chicago presents a compelling option if Ehlers is looking for a new spotlight.
Jets fans… would you rather have Nikolaj Ehlers at $8.5 million for the next eight years, or Brad Marchand at $8.5 for the next three?
— Jesse Pollock (@jpolly22) June 7, 2025
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
