The long wait for Nikolaj Ehlers’ free agent decision is over. Ehlers decided to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, taking the top player available off the market more than 72 hours since the NHL’s signing period began.

Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers explains why he decided to leave the Winnipeg Jets in 2025 NHL Free Agency.

Then, a few days into free agency, star forward Nikolaj Ehlers left Winnipeg to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old forward signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Hurricanes in free agency, ending a decade-long run with the Jets.