NHL Free Agency: Devils Have What Top Winger Wants

The New Jersey Devils made it publicly known that they want to upgrade the offense this summer. Typically, that would put the ball in a free agents court, allowing them to squeeze out as much money as they can out of inquiring general managers. However, one of the top free agents heading to the market seemingly has a different mindset, and he should certainly be the Devils’ top priority.

Elliotte Friedman made it known free agency is likely for Nikolaj Ehlers.

On the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast, the Sportsnet insider explained that much like Mitch Marner and the Toronto Maple Leafs, it seems Ehlers and the Winnipeg Jets are heading for divorce.

“I’m hearing he’s in the same boat as Marner,” Friedman explained. “It’s that he’s going to go to July 1st and then we’ll see. Nobody’s confirming that he’s actually given Winnipeg an absolute no or anything like that.

“But, there’s definitely a feeling out there that he’s going to July 1st, and he’s going to see what’s out there. So it’s a similar situation.”

There are a lot of reasons why the Devils should prioritize Ehlers based on his skill-set. However, it’s the Danish forward’s mindset heading into free agency that makes him the most attractive player for the Devils.

“As I’ve said to Ehlers before, I think with him, it’s a mixture of, he wants to be on a really good team with opportunity. Like, Winnipeg is a really good team,” Friedman continued.

“But I think the issue around the Jets has always been top line opportunity.”

Well, it certainly sounds like the Devils check all of Ehlers boxes.

Top line opportunity? He’d certainly dethrone Ondrej Palat on Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt‘s line.

A really good team? The Devils are only trending upward. Their contending window is now, and there’s still room for it to open with all their young talent.

And as for the Devils, is Ehlers a fit?

Without a doubt.

Ehlers is a speedy, left-shot forward who is dangerous in transition, scores on the power play, and is an underrated forechecker with positive puck retrieval abilities.

Despite the likes of Hughes, Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier in the Devils’ top-six, they certainly have room for one more game-breaking forward.

Ehlers is a multi 20-plus goalscorer, reaching the plateau eight times and potting 25 or more goals five times in his career. In 2024-25, Ehlers tucked 24 goals all while skating next to Vladislav Namestnikov, who is a serviceable center. However, far less dynamic than Hughes and Bratt.

In fact, Ehlers has never really worked with an offensive-minded team in Winnipeg as they prioritize defense and goaltending. Whereas the Sheldon Keefe-led Devils might do the same, Ehlers would have the opportunity in New Jersey to play with some of the most talented forwards he ever has in his career.

Look, money will be a factor. However, it doesn’t sound like it’s Ehlers’ top priority.

AFP Analytics projects the 29-year-old forward to earn an $8,106,756.24 average annual value over six seasons. Certainly, that’s a reasonable number as the cap is continuing to increase.

The Devils will perhaps have to shed some salary if they plan on going after Ehlers. Luke Hughes‘ next contract is projected to occupy a decent amount of Tom Fitzgerald’s $11-plus million in cap space.

READ MORE: Devils’ Aggressive Cap Space Strategy for 2025 Offer Sheets

However, if the Devils are serious about improving, they’ll need to clear some cap space and should look into moving names such as Palat or Erik Haula.

There will certainly be a line at Ehlers’ door on July 1st looking to retrieve his services. Perhaps Meier, a former teammate of Ehlers’ from back in junior, could help reel in a big fish.

Regardless, Ehlers’ goal seemingly align with what the Devils can offer. Thus, Fitzgerald should make Ehlers the Devils’ top priority.

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