Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Why Kyle Dubas And the Penguins Should Pass on Winnipeg's Top Free Agent
Nikolaj Ehlers is a very intriguing free agent this summer, but now, it appears the Penguins have been warned to stay away from the veteran forward.
The Pittsburgh Penguins failed to reach even the lowest of expectations in 2024/25, and while some fans are pushing the team to look to the future and rebuild, others believe that with some good moves in the summer, this team could be set up to compete around Sidney Crosby next season.
If they are going to go the latter route, this is a team that could look to target Mitch Marner in free agency, but if Kyle Dubas can't lure the Toronto Maple Leafs star to town, there's other options out there such as Sam Bennett, Brock Boeser, Andrew Mangiapane and the most intriguing of all, Nikolaj Ehlers.
While the latter seems like a natural fit alongside Sidney Crosby, Penguins reporters have now officially warned Dubas to stay away from Ehlers, as he makes them a better team, but unfortunately, won't elevate them enough to get back into contention immediately.
«The Jets' biggest free agent is Nikolaj Ehlers, and Pittsburgh is a rumored destination for the 29-year-old center this offseason.
I personally would avoid Ehlers at all cost, he will be 30 years old next year and will want a multi-year deal for at least $7 or $8 million a year.
That would not make much sense for the Penguins. Yes, he makes them better, but does he make them a playoff team? No.»
I personally would avoid Ehlers at all cost, he will be 30 years old next year and will want a multi-year deal for at least $7 or $8 million a year.
That would not make much sense for the Penguins. Yes, he makes them better, but does he make them a playoff team? No.»
The 29-year old has been incredibly consistent when healthy in recent years, and while there's question marks over that health, a team in the NHL will pay him a hefty amount over a multi-year deal this summer.
Ultimately, that team could be the Penguins, and if it is, there better be some fantastic secondary moves to propel them further into contention, but if not, it could be a waste of a move and valuable salary cap space for this team.
| POLL | ||
MAI 4 | 177 ANSWERS Why Kyle Dubas And the Penguins Should Pass on Winnipeg's Top Free Agent Should the Penguins target Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency? | ||
| Yes | 108 | 61 % |
| No | 69 | 39 % |
| List of polls | ||