Nikolaj Ehlers` Winnipeg Jets teammates hope he remains with the team.
Ehlers is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He was absent from the Jets` year-end media interviews as he is currently with Team Denmark at the IIHF Men`s World Hockey Championship. Despite his absence, his teammates openly discussed their desire for him to stay in Winnipeg.
“I love Nikky and hope he stays, but that`s the business side of things, beyond my control,” commented center Vladislav Namestnikov. He added, “The decision isn`t mine, but I would certainly love for him to remain here, though, as I mentioned, it`s not my call.”
Assistant captain Josh Morrissey spoke highly of Ehlers.
“Those matters are outside my influence, but having played with Nikky for nine years, I can say he`s a wonderful teammate, an excellent player, and a great person,” Morrissey stated.
Jets winger Kyle Connor echoed the positive remarks from his teammates regarding Ehlers` importance to the Winnipeg club.
“He`s incredibly valuable,” Connor commented. “He`s clearly one of our top players, significantly drives the offense when he`s on the ice, and is crucial to our power play. He`s a vital asset on the ice and also has a strong presence and voice in the locker room.”
Selected ninth overall by the Jets in 2014, Ehlers has been with the team for ten seasons. In the recent season, the 29-year-old forward recorded 24 goals and 39 assists, totaling 63 points. His current contract, a seven-year, $42 million deal signed in 2017, concludes after the 2024-2025 season.
