Two Top Contenders Emerge As Landing Spots For Winnipeg Jets Star Free Agent

The Winnipeg Jets have a huge free agency decision to make this summer, as star winger Nikolaj Ehlers is an Unrestricted Free Agent, and after spending the first 10 years of his career with the Jets, he may be open to a change of scenery this off-season.

At this point in time, a return to the Jets hasn't been ruled out, and after they were the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference this past season, it makes sense if he would like to return to the team in free agency, but as of right now, anything is on the table.

According to Chris Johnston, if he does leave, there are several intriguing landing spots for him out there, although one of the NHL's top insiders has narrowed it down to two specific teams.

Those teams would be the Carolina Hurricanes, who are desperately looking to take that final step into the Stanley Cup Finals, and the Chicago Blackhawks, who are focusing this summer on adding a top winger for rising star centre Connor Bedard.

In 674 games with the Jets, Ehlers has tallied 225 goals and 520 points, showing major consistency in recent years as a 60+ point player in the NHL, and with a lack of other top names around the league available in free agency, he's going to get paid in a big way over the summer.

Don't rule out a return to Winnipeg, as Ehlers has been very happy in his role with a winning team, but if he wants a change, expect more than just Carolina and Chicago to emerge as contenders to land him as he looks for Stanley Cup Playoffs success and a big new contract.