Nikolaj Ehlers has formally closed a memorable chapter with the Winnipeg Jets, sharing a heartfelt letter with followers and teammates after signing with the Carolina Hurricanes.
In a message posted on social media, Ehlers mirrored on a decade spent with the franchise and expressed gratitude for the relationships and reminiscences that outlined his time in Manitoba.
“For now, my time in Winnipeg has come to an finish, and I’ve some issues I want to say to town of Winnipeg and my Jets household,” Ehlers started. “This was the toughest determination I’ve made in my life, however I felt it was time for a brand new problem to develop as a participant and particular person.”
The Danish left winger arrived in Winnipeg as a first-round choose within the 2014 NHL Draft. Over the subsequent 10 years, he turned one of many franchise’s most dynamic forwards.
Recognized for his blazing pace and scoring contact, Ehlers tallied 225 objectives and 295 assists in 674 regular-season video games. He additionally performed a key position within the Jets’ 2018 run to the Western Convention Finals, delivering a number of the most fun moments within the staff’s fashionable historical past.
In his letter, he supplied a particular thanks to the staff’s entrance workplace and employees for giving him an opportunity to dwell out his dream.
“To the Jets Group,” he wrote, “Thanks! Thanks for giving me the chance to dwell my dream within the NHL, for believing in me, and for treating me like household from day one. This group is top-notch, and I’ve at all times cherished enjoying with the Jets emblem on my chest. I’ll always remember what you probably did for me!”
The 29-year-old ahead additionally reserved a heat tribute to the teammates he referred to as his brothers over the previous decade.
“To my brothers,” he continued, “I like you! And can eternally cherish the reminiscences we made all through the final 10 years. You’re the finest group of fellows, on and off the ice, and I want we obtained to raise the Stanley Cup collectively, as a result of that was the dream from day one. I’m proud and glad I obtained to play with such an amazing group of gamers and even higher guys! Grateful to have the ability to name each certainly one of you household.”
To the followers and folks of Winnipeg, Ehlers shared appreciation for the best way town embraced him as certainly one of their very own.
“To the Metropolis of Winnipeg and my second house!” he wrote, “Thanks for every little thing. The assist from day one didn’t go unnoticed. I really feel an immense quantity of gratitude to have performed in and for town of Winnipeg for 10 years. You made me really feel at house, comfortable, and excited to play hockey. The assist and reminiscences you gave me, I’ll take with me and cherish! I’m proud to name town of Winnipeg my second house.”
Ehlers closed the message merely with “Winnipeg, I like you.”
Whereas he begins a brand new journey with the Hurricanes, the Jets will now sit up for retooling their roster. Although he departs for Carolina, his connection to Winnipeg will stay sturdy. For a lot of followers, Ehlers will at all times be remembered not only for his pace and ability, however for the respect and coronary heart he dropped at the ice each evening.
Ehlers agreed to affix Carolina as a free agent on a six-year contract price $51 million. The deal averages $8.5 million per season and offers the Hurricanes a confirmed top-six winger who can convey scoring, management, and expertise to a staff aiming for an additional deep playoff run.