Nikolaj Ehlers has silenced critics who questioned his ability to perform under pressure. The Winnipeg Jets winger responded with five goals in his last five games of the second round against Dallas, bringing his career playoff points to 14 in 37 games.
Ehlers’ Impact on the Ice
Ehlers’ impressive showing has made him a highly sought-after player. He can drive the play and finish at a heightened pace, qualities that many teams are looking for in a winger. The Vancouver Canucks, who have struggled offensively this season, ranking 23rd overall, are among those interested in Ehlers.
Injury Challenges
However, injuries have limited Ehlers’ ability to be a consistent top scorer. Since signing an entry-level contract out of Finland’s JYP Liiga junior league in June 2016, he has played only one full season without injury issues. In that campaign, he scored exactly three times as many goals (29) as assists (10).
Ehlers has suffered several significant injuries over the past four seasons, including:
- Shoulder surgery after a freak accident while skating alone at Bell MTS Place on August 27.
- Broken ribs after crashing into the boards on March 21.
- A fractured left foot while blocking a shot against Vegas.
The injury bug bit again on April 12 when it appeared Ehlers might miss Game Six against Dallas due to foot issues that had kept him out for nine straight contests since February’s game against Vegas.
Trade Deadline Considerations
Despite these setbacks, Ehlers remains one of the most sought-after players available ahead of Monday’s NHL trade deadline. His speed and skill make him an attractive asset for any team looking to bolster their lineup before the playoffs begin later this month.
As teams prepare for the final stretch of regular-season play, they will be keeping close tabs on Ehlers’ status and whether he will be able to continue contributing at such high levels despite ongoing health concerns surrounding his left foot.
Team Dynamics
Ehlers’ impressive performance is likely just what Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff was hoping for when he traded Kyle Connor last summer—giving up two first-round picks but getting back two players who could help Winnipeg win its first Stanley Cup championship since winning it all back-to-back from 2020-2021.
Ehlers’ goal-scoring surge is not surprising given how well-suited he is playing alongside Mark Scheifele. Both forwards were part of Canada’s Olympic team during the Beijing Winter Games earlier this year. The duo combined for seven goals during their time together at the Olympics, where they also played with fellow Jet Nikolaj Knyzhov—although Knyzhov did not appear until midway through the tournament due to visa issues.
Scheifele expressed his happiness about being reunited with Ehlers after missing some time following an upper-body injury sustained during Game Four versus Dallas. “It was huge,” Scheifele said about being reunited with Ehlers. “I think we kind of found our rhythm right away.” He added that it took them some time, but once they got going, “we started clicking pretty good,” noting, “it was nice having Niko back out there.”
Jets coach Rick Bowness praised Scheifele, stating, “He looked like himself again,” and added, “He looked like Mark before whatever happened there.” Bowness also noted that Ehlers looked like himself upon returning from injury, saying, "We’ve seen what we know."
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