$42 Million Star Forward Nikolaj Ehlers Linked to Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens may be poised to make a major move in NHL free agency, with reports indicating interest in star forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who recently completed a seven-year, $42 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets. Ehlers is considered one of the top names on the market this offseason, and there’s growing speculation he could land in Montreal.
The Canadiens made a return to the playoffs last season, showing signs of progress with a young core. Now, they appear ready to add more veteran talent to accelerate their push toward championship contention. Former NHL forward and current analyst Jannik Hansen, a close friend of Ehlers, believes there’s a real possibility the Danish winger could choose Montreal as his next destination.
Speaking on Canucks Central on Sportsnet 690, Hansen said, “Would he come here? Probably not. But Montreal? That’s realistic. He knows the area, he played junior hockey in Quebec, and he’s comfortable with the Canadian market. He’s not one to shy away from pressure.” Hansen also mentioned Ehlers’ close friendship with Patrik Laine, adding that the Montreal atmosphere and the team’s direction could appeal to him.
Ehlers would be a significant addition to the Canadiens’ top-six forward group. This past season, he scored 24 goals and registered 39 assists for a total of 63 points over 69 games. His postseason performance was also solid, with five goals and two assists in just eight games.
However, Winnipeg hasn’t given up on retaining the 28-year-old forward. Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff spoke highly of Ehlers, who has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the team since being drafted ninth overall in 2014. “Nikolaj has been an important part of our organization since the beginning. We drafted and developed him. He’s grown here,” Cheveldayoff said. “We knew heading into this season that he could become an unrestricted free agent, and we’re going to do everything we can to keep him as a Jet for life.”
Even so, if Ehlers decides to test the market on July 1, Montreal could emerge as a top contender for his services—especially with the team’s growing potential and youthful energy.
Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes has emphasized that the upcoming offseason will be crucial to the team’s development. “When I mentioned before that 2024 would be a key summer, I also said 2025 could be even more important,” Hughes noted. “We’re building toward being a team that can compete for the Stanley Cup year in and year out. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer.”
Montreal may face salary cap challenges, but the front office is reportedly open to making moves to clear space if it means adding a high-impact player like Ehlers. Hughes believes that the team’s recent playoff experience will only motivate the younger players to take greater responsibility moving forward.
Despite a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Washington Capitals, the Canadiens appear focused and motivated heading into the summer—and adding a proven scorer like Nikolaj Ehlers could be a major step forward.
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