The Winnipeg Jets are hoping the signing of Jonathan Toews entices unrestricted free agent Nikolaj Ehlers to re-sign.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wrote in the written version of 32 Thoughts that the Jets hope Toews can sway Ehlers into re-signing. He remains firm that Ehlers is in no rush to sign a contract and will test the waters of free agency. He also mentions that the Jets have backup plans in place if Ehlers does not return.
Several reports have stated different information about Ehlers' plans this offseason, but one thing that has been a constant is that he has not ruled the Jets out entirely, but is curious to see what offers are out there for him.
The 29-year-old is coming off another strong regular season, scoring 24 goals and 63 points in 69 games. Historically, Ehlers has struggled in the playoffs, but a late arrival to the postseason ignited a different version of Ehlers, recording five goals and seven points in eight games.
Ehlers almost exclusively played with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti last season, and while Toews' impact is an uncertainty at this point, it's a move by general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff that shows he believes this group can win a Stanley Cup together.
Friedman also mentioned that the Jets could be hoping for a Gabriel Landeskog-type of impact from Toews. Someone the team rallies behind, and despite previous success, the absence of hockey in their life fuels them to give it everything they've got each and every shift.
"Toews’ last NHL game: April 13, 2023. Prior to these playoffs, Gabriel Landeskog’s last NHL game: June 26, 2022. What you’re betting on, if you’re the Jets, is that Toews follows Landeskog’s lead. He’s certainly motivated. They are different recoveries, but similar in one particular way: no one really knew if the Colorado captain’s return would last. Could he practice on back-to-back days? Yes. Could he play back-to-back AHL games? Yes. Could he handle Stanley Cup playoff hockey? Yes. It went better than almost anyone imagined," said Friedman.
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Jets Agree to Terms on Bonus-Laden Contract with Local Product Jonathan Toews
The Winnipeg Jets have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with local product Jonathan Toews.