Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers departed for the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship on Tuesday, bypassing his exit interviews and raising the question about whether he's played his final game as a Jet.

The Jets drafted Ehlers with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He's gone on to record 225 goals and 520 points in 674 games with the franchise, ranking sixth in franchise history in points, fifth in goals and seventh in games played. His career with the Jets has been stellar, but shortcomings in the playoffs and lack of trust from head coaches have held Ehlers back from reaching the heights many thought he could.

Listed at 6'0 172 lbs, the 29-year-old has the physical tools to be amongst the best forwards in the NHL. Combined with his all-world speed, electric hands and quick release, Ehlers has all the makings of a forward who could be among the league leaders in points each season. 

Throughout his career, he's been compared with Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander, a player drafted one spot ahead of him, with a similar build and skill set, but Nylander has career highs of 45 goals and 98 points, while Ehlers has maxed out at 29 goals and 64 points. 

Most of the reasoning can be summed up to the fact that Ehlers does not receive the same ice time as other star players. Nylander has averaged more than 18:00 per game five times in his career, while Ehlers has done so just once, averaging fewer than 16:00 for the third consecutive season. 

Ehlers has played under four different head coaches, each of whom seemed to struggle to provide Ehlers with the ice time and power play time he likely believes he deserves. Many fans believe that if Ehlers does elect to test free agency and sign with another team, some blame can be placed on Ehlers not receiving the ice time he deserves.

In a must-win Game 6 against the Stars, Mason Appleton, who scored 14 fewer goals and 41 fewer points this season, skated in 16:12 of ice time, while Ehlers mustered just 14:48. 

Ehlers looks to be testing the waters of free agency, but has not closed the door on signing an extension with the Jets. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff spoke with his agent earlier this week and is attempting to pitch the idea of being "a Jet for life." Cole Perfetti, his linemate throughout the 2024-25 campaign, called Ehlers "a joy to life" and is sure that Ehlers knows how much his teammates want him back.

Replacing what Ehlers provides would be difficult. Very few players are as dominant in transition and create as many chances at 5-on-5 as Ehlers does. Teams will be lining up to offer him a long-term contract, and the contract will likely come with a promise of an increased role, something which could entice the Aalborg, DEN native. 

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