RALEIGH, N.C. β The Carolina Hurricanes have bolstered their offensive lineup with the signing of forward Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year contract, General Manager Eric Tulsky announced Thursday.Β
The deal, finalized on July 1, carries an average annual value of $8.5 million and extends through the 2030-31 NHL season.
βNikolaj was the top free agent available on July 1, and we are proud that heβs chosen to make Carolina his home,β Tulsky said. βHeβs a highly-skilled winger who can really skate and will fit very well with our forward group.
Ehlers, 29, joins the Hurricanes after a decade with the Winnipeg Jets, where he tallied 24 goals and 39 assists in 69 games during the 2024-25 season. He ranked third on the Jets in points and was a key contributor in the playoffs, tying for the team lead in goals with five over eight games.
Originally drafted ninth overall by Winnipeg in 2014, the Aalborg, Denmark native has amassed 520 points (225 goals, 295 assists) in 674 career NHL games. Known for his speed and scoring consistency, Ehlers has recorded at least 20 goals in eight of his ten NHL seasons.
Before turning pro, Ehlers starred in the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads, earning Rookie of the Year and Top Prospect honors in 2013-14. He has also represented Denmark in multiple international tournaments, including five IIHF World Championships and three Olympic qualifying events.
Ehlers is expected to bring veteran experience and dynamic playmaking to Carolinaβs top lines.
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.