Nikolaj Ehlers remains one of the few high-profile players yet to sign a contract, more than 30 hours after the NHL free agency period commenced. While most players typically ink new deals during the opening hours, Ehlers has opted for a more measured approach, taking time to weigh his options. Teams such as Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Washington are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of the 29-year-old Danish winger, who has spent the entirety of his nine-year career with the Winnipeg Jets.
Hurricanes’ general manager, Eric Tulsky, expressed the ongoing interest from various teams: “We’ve had discussions with his agent,” Tulsky stated. “Ehlers is in high demand right now, and we’re staying patient to see how it unfolds.” The market was further influenced by recent signings, including winger Brock Boeser’s new $50 million contract with Vancouver and forward Mikael Granlund’s $7 million annual deal with Anaheim. With the increased salary cap this season at an unprecedented $95.5 million, Ehlers is poised to secure one of the larger contracts of the offseason, especially among players switching teams.
Meanwhile, seasoned defenseman Brent Burns has reached an agreement with Colorado for the upcoming season. Though the 2017 Norris Trophy winner’s peak years are behind him at 40, his experience and versatility could be valuable in a third-pairing role for Colorado. This move signals his return to the Western Conference after three seasons with Carolina.
Edmonton has made moves to refresh their roster, signing Curtis Lazar for the league minimum of $775,000 following Andrew Mangiapane’s signing the previous night. These new additions aim to fill the void left by departing wingers Connor Brown and Corey Perry, who left the Oilers after consecutive losses in the finals. Edmonton GM Stan Bowman highlighted the potential fresh energy these players could bring: “They have a different kind of hunger, having not been part of our recent seasons.”
Additionally, the New York Islanders secured a deal with Maxim Shabanov, a prominent KHL forward, beating out multiple contenders hoping to lure him to the NHL. Elsewhere, the New York Rangers have agreed on a $3 million, two-year contract with Taylor Raddysh, New Jersey inked Cody Class for $5 million over the next two years, Pittsburgh added Anthony Mantha and Alexander Alexeyev to their lineup, St. Louis secured Pius Suter for two years at $8.25 million, while Detroit landed Mason Appleton on a two-year deal worth $4.8 million.
Despite the flurry of signings, Ehlers’ availability seems to be holding up deals for other players such as forwards like Anthony Beauvillier and Jack Roslovic, who may become alternatives for teams missing out on their primary targets. Defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Matt Grzelcyk, along with goalies Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev, also remain up for grabs.
San Jose GM Mike Grier commented on the whirlwind nature of the initial free agency period: “The first day is always intense and chaotic. After tonight, teams and players alike will reassess and see what’s still left on the table.”
Additionally, the Blues have waived veteran defenseman Nick Leddy, with one year remaining on his $4 million contract. Talks continue around Buffalo’s restricted free agent Bowen Byram. Although Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is open to matching potential offer sheets, he hasn’t ruled out trades if they prove beneficial to the team: “We’re open to any deal that strengthens our roster, but we’re not in a hurry to trade him away for the sake of futures.”