It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. Day one of NHL free agency has passed, but there’s still plenty to be decided. We saw most of the big names come off the board before the start of free agency at noon on July 1. However, one name still remains at the top of team’s wishlists. It’s odd to see a big name not sign one the first day. However, that name is letting things play out.
This edition of NHL rumours deals with that big player and how other teams are awaiting his choice.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Teams Await the Choice of Free Agent Winnipeg Jets Forward
Rumours: Teams are awaiting what Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers will do in the free agent market. A number of clubs have their plans hinging on his decision, which could come later today.
With top UFA Nikolaj Ehlers now down to a few teams he’s deciding between, the expectation is that his decision should be made at some point today.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 2, 2025
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Analysis: Ehlers is now the top prize of the free agent market. A number of big names didn’t hit the market after signing extensions. The Dane is now the piece that teams are coveting in this round of free agency.
Many are surprised that Ehlers decided to put off making his choice on July 1. Insiders said that the veteran winger went home to Denmark and played golf while other teams scrambled to fill roster spots.
However, TSN’s Chris Johnston said that a decision could come as soon as later today. This is one that many clubs are waiting for with baited breath. NHL.com writer Tom Gulitti said that the Washington Capitals are awaiting Ehler’s choice to see what they’ll do next. Gulitti added that some unrestricted free agent forwards could end being Plan B.
TSN’s Darren Dreger was on Overdrive and said that Toronto Maple Leafs have expressed interest. Dreger said that Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving has “thrown his hat in the ring” to land Ehlers. However, there’s a question if the quiet forward wants to face the spotlight of being in a major market like Toronto. There were times that Ehlers felt the pressure in a market like Winnipeg.
What It Means
Another team that’s also seemingly expressed interest in the Carolina Hurricanes. According to Brennan Klak, Hurricanes General Manger Eric Tulsky spoke to Ehlers’ camp about a possible deal. Klak also stated that the Hurricanes could be one of the top suitors to land the veteran forward as the big prize of the free agent market.
Carolina has been busy with acquiring K’Andre Miller from the New York Rangers and giving him a massive contract. That deal seems to be another massive risk from Tulsky. However, he’s not content with standing pat. Carolina reached the Eastern Conference Final, but the team is not resting on its laurels.
We all await to see what Ehlers will do and where he’ll decide to sign. This signing will cause a lot of the other dominoes to fall into place once it’s completed. All we can do is sit and wait to see what the destination will be.
Main photo by: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
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