Nikolaj Ehlers` teammates have voiced their strong desire for him to remain with the Winnipeg Jets.
Ehlers is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this off-season. He was unable to attend the team`s season-ending media availability as he had already joined Team Denmark for the IIHF Men`s World Hockey Championship. Despite his absence, several teammates commented on his value and their hope that he will re-sign with Winnipeg.
Center Vladislav Namestnikov shared his feelings with reporters:
“I love Nikky and hope he stays but that`s the business side of it and out of my control… Everything else isn`t up to me but I would love him to stay, but like I said, it isn`t up to me.”
Assistant captain Josh Morrissey also had high praise for Ehlers.
“Those things are out of my control but certainly, I`ve played with Nikky for nine years now, he`s a fantastic teammate, fantastic player, fantastic guy,” Morrissey stated.
Jets winger Kyle Connor echoed his teammates` sentiments regarding Ehlers` impact on the ice and in the locker room.
“He`s huge, he`s obviously one of our best players and he carries the play so much when he`s on the ice and is a big part of our power play,” Connor said. “He`s a huge piece for us and he`s big in the locker room too. He`s got a big voice in here.”
Ehlers was originally a first-round pick, selected ninth overall by the Jets in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, and has played his entire 10-season NHL career with the franchise. During the recent 2024-2025 season, the 29-year-old forward recorded 63 points, contributing 24 goals and 39 assists. The past season marked the conclusion of the seven-year, $42 million contract he signed with the team in 2017.
