On Saturday morning, Nikolaj Ehlers met with the media via Zoom for the first time since the announcement of the signing of his six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. "It was a stressful, busy but exciting time. A lot of time on my phone, let’s put it that way," the newest member of the Hurricanes laughed when asked how the past week played itself out. Photo by James Carey Lauder/USA Today [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1ad964c4-66b8-4c5e-9368-6800aa934e9b.jpeg] Photo by James Carey Lauder/USA Today “I believe I will fit in very nicely," the 29-year-old said. "And that’s something you try to look at as well when you make a decision. I talked to Rod and we had kind of the same vision about how things are going to go. Again, the talks that I’ve had with the people in the Canes’ organization is something that really excited me.” Of course, in exploring free agency and signing with the Eastern Conference's Hurricanes, Ehlers will be leaving the city of Winnipeg and the organization that drafted him ninth overall in the summer of 2014. “Very emotional," he said. "Obviously, I am very excited to join the Canes’ organization. But at the same time, I’m sad to be leaving an organization that helped me achieve my dream of being an NHL player. I have been in Winnipeg for 10 years, been a part of the organization for 11 and created a lot of great relationships, on and off the ice. "Chevy, Chipman, Arnie, I talked to those three guys yesterday. It was very emotional. I had a lot of things to say, a lot of thank-yous that I needed to get out, because those guys and that arganization is top-notch. I told them why I made the decision that I made and they obviously respected it and were happy for me. But at the same time, I’ve been there for 10 years. It was very emotional. I love the organization, i’ll always hold the city of Winnipeg very close to my heart, it’s the place I lived the longest my whole life. It was some very good conversations and a lot of people that I will never forget.” For Denmark's all-time leading scorer, leaving Winnipeg was inevitable. Although he didn't exactly use the word, he referenced the need for a change in scenery - something that may or may not have been attributed to his usage within the lineup, on the power play or amongst his forward peers. “Like I told them, they didn’t do anything wrong. I was there for 10 years, I loved it there. I loved the organization, the people in it, the guys, they become family, right? The city of Winnipeg, the fans. "Everyone who has played in Winnipeg knows how incredible it is to play there," he reminisced. "For me, it was more about trying something new and challenging myself, getting out and seeing different things, different culture. That’s what I wanted to do. Obviously, like I said, I loved playing in Winnipeg, I’ll never forget my time, but it was time for me, personally, to get out and experience something different and challenge myself on and off the ice.” Despite all the changes that will surely come for Ehlers over the next few months, it will also be a time of reflection. “It’s 10 years, you know what I mean?" when asked which memories in particular stand out. "There’s no chance I can pick out one or two because the memories that I’ve made there on and off the ice, with guys on the team, people off the ice, neighbours, just the city of Winnipeg is something that I will take with me and cherish forever. "It won’t be the last time that I’m in Winnipeg, obviously, I’ll be playing there as well. I really did love living and playing in Winnipeg. Again, you got moments that stick out: my first playoffs, my first goal at home, playing this past playoffs here where you can’t leave the rink because there’s so many people outside. It might sound annoying that you can’t leave the rink, but that’s the cool part about it. There are so many memories with the players that I’ve already talked to them about it. I’ll never forget those guys and the people in the organization and the city.” And what he expects to see in Raleigh? “You play hockey for the city," Ehlers said. "I love playing hockey, but you want the fans to be excited about your team. You want the fans to stand outside the rink like they did in Winnipeg and watch playoff games and go nuts. That’s what gives you the extra energy, and I believe they have built something similar to that in Carolina. I’m excited to feel that.”
