Nikolaj Ehlers' teammates don't want to see him go.
Ehlers, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this off-season, missed the Winnipeg Jets' season-ending media availability because he chose to join Denmark at the IIHF Men's World Hockey Championship. However, his teammates still had lots to say about what it would mean to keep him in Winnipeg.
"I love Nikky and hope he stays but that's the business side of it and out of my control," centre Vladislav Namestnikov shared with reporters. "Everything else isn't up to me but I would love him to stay, but like I said, it isn't up to me."
Josh Morrissey only had great things to say about Ehlers.
"Those things are out of my control but certainly, I've played with Nikky for nine years now, he's a fantastic teammate, fantastic player, fantastic guy," the assistant captain said.
Jets winger Kyle Connor echoed his teammates' sentiments when describing the impact Ehlers has in Winnipeg.
"He's huge, he's obviously one of our best players and he carries the play so much when he's on the ice and is a big part of our power play. He's a huge piece for us and he's big in the locker room too. He's got a big voice in here," Connor said.
Star netminder Connor Hellebuyck also spoke about what Ehlers adds to the team.
"He's an awesome guy to be around and it's been such pleasure to watch him grow his game not only on the ice but off the ice as well."
"He's such a big part of this family and he's the heart and soul of a lot of the things we do here. Not only does he bring it on the ice, but just around the rink he's such a pleasure to be around. You know he's going to have your back no matter what you're going through," Hellebuyck said.
Ehlers was drafted ninth overall by the Jets in 2014 and has remained on the team for the past 10 seasons. This season, the 29-year-old has contributed 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points. The 2024-2025 season marked the last of the seven-year, $42 million contract he signed with the Jets in 2017.
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