Former Halifax Mooseheads forward Nikolaj Ehlers signed with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday. Photo by Kevin King /Winnipeg SunArticle contentAfter taking his time to hear from all of his suitors and do his due diligence, former Halifax Mooseheads star Nikolaj Ehlers chose Carolina as his new home.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe 29-year-old winger signed a six-year, $51-million contract with the Hurricanes on Thursday, ending a captivating three-day period of speculation around his status.Article contentArticle content“Nikolaj was the top free agent available on July 1 and we are proud that he’s chosen to make Carolina his home,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said in a news release. “He’s a highly skilled winger who can really skate and will fit very well with our forward group.”Article contentArticle contentAfter a number of potential free agents opted to return to their teams right before the opening of the signing window, Ehlers emerged as the best player available by a considerable margin. He had 520 points in 674 career games over 11 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, including 63 points in 69 games last year.Article contentHe’s also still in his prime so that added an extra attraction compared to many of his aging counterparts who hit the open market on Canada Day. Ehlers also has a longstanding reputation around the league as a class act with excellent leadership qualities, which was evident in the lengthy tribute the Jets paid to him after his departure.Article contentThe team posted an emotional video on their social media channels that was more than two minutes long. The Jets also sent out a second message saying: “From first-round pick to the highest-scoring Danish player in NHL history, and all the countless memories in between. Thank you for everything, Fly. All the best in Carolina.”Article contentThe Jets drafted the six-foot, 172-pound forward ninth overall out of the Mooseheads’ program in 2014. He was coming off a 104-point first season in the QMJHL that saw him win the league’s awards as the top NHL prospect and rookie of the year.Article contentEhlers hit the 100-point mark again the next season in Halifax and was named a first team QMJHL all-star. He also dominated during the playoffs, producing 59 points in 30 games spread over two years.Article contentHis annual salary with the Hurricanes will be $8.5 million, and his contract runs until 2031, when he will be 35 years old.Article content
Ex-Mooseheads star Nikolaj Ehlers signs six-year, $51 million contract with Carolina Hurricanes
