Today, we will be continuing my summer series where I look at free agents that are potential targets for the Utah Mammoth.
Today, we look at Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets.
Target: Nikolaj Ehlers – LW – 10 Years Experience
If Nikolaj Ehlers hits the open market, there will be no shortage of teams lining up to sign him. He’s one of the top goal scorers available this summer, and if the Winnipeg Jets let him walk to free agency, the Utah Mammoth need to be among the teams making a strong push.
Much like Brock Boeser, Ehlers checks a lot of boxes for Utah. They have a solid core, tons of cap space, and a general manager who has been very open about his intent to be aggressive this offseason. Ehlers makes a lot of sense as a target.
Stats
Ehlers had a strong season, scoring 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points in 69 games—just one point shy of his career-high of 64, set back in 2016-17. Over his 10-year NHL career, he’s totaled 225 goals and 295 assists for 520 points in 674 games.
Salary
He’s coming off a seven-year deal signed with the Jets back on Oct. 4, 2017, which carried a $6 million AAV. Contract projections suggest his next deal could come in around six years with an AAV close to $8.1 million.
Realistic Chances of Signing: 8/10
As mentioned, the Mammoth are at the point where they need to add another top-tier piece to take that next step. There aren't many better options than Ehlers in terms of proven production. He could slide right into a top-line role next to Clayton Keller and give Utah a dangerous one-two punch.
There’s also the intangibles. Ehlers is coming from a winning culture in Winnipeg, a team that just claimed the Presidents’ Trophy. That kind of experience would be valuable in the Mammoth dressing room, especially as they try to build the habits and mindset it takes to win consistently in the NHL.
The Mammoth have the cap space to offer Ehlers the kind of deal he’s looking for and still address other needs. GM Bill Armstrong is expected to be active on just about every top free agent this summer—and Ehlers should be right near the top of the list.
