As speculation intensifies around Nikolaj Ehlers’ future in the NHL, a prominent insider has shut down any notion of a potential move to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the $42 million star forward.
Ehlers, who has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets, is expected to test free agency this offseason. Despite his consistent offensive output, the 29-year-old has reportedly never been given the top-line minutes his talent warrants, fueling interest from teams seeking an offensive upgrade.
MORE: Marner Set to Leave Maple Leafs, But Contract Expectations Stall Free Agency Pursuit
However, veteran NHL reporter Chris Johnston poured cold water on the rumored link between Ehlers and the Maple Leafs.
Speaking on The Chris Johnston Show, the insider said:
“I’d be surprised. Nik Ehlers is a great player. He’s not going to come at a cheap price… I would be very, very surprised if Ehlers was on the radar for the Leafs.”
Johnston emphasized that Ehlers’ profile—a smaller, finesse-forward—doesn’t match GM Brad Treliving’s vision for a more robust team identity.
Adding to the conversation, TSN’s Darren Dreger stated on the OverDrive podcast that while Winnipeg wants to retain Ehlers, the Danish winger may prefer a quieter environment. Dreger noted the Jets’ hopes to re-sign him, but acknowledged Ehlers’ potential openness to a change of scenery.
The New York Islanders are believed to be a more fitting destination. The team is in need of an injection of offensive firepower in their top-six forwards, and Ehlers could be a strong solution, provided his salary expectations and role align with their strategy. Despite his talent, Ehlers has averaged just 16:26 of ice time per game—modest usage for a player who leads Jets players in 5-on-5 points per 60 minutes over the past decade (2.28).
As the July 1 free agency date looms, Ehlers remains one of the most intriguing names on the market. While a reunion with Winnipeg is still on the table, his future may lie with a team willing to offer him both the role and respect that his underutilized numbers suggest he deserves.
For now, Leafs fans can likely rule out seeing him in blue and white.
