The Carolina Hurricanes have made their most significant offseason signing, inking forward Nik Ehlers to a six-year, $51 million contract on Thursday. Ehlers, the top free agent available after the league’s new year began, joins the team with immense scoring potential. The 29-year-old winger has already demonstrated his skills, eclipsing the 20-goal mark in eight seasons and averaging nearly 16 minutes per game.
Ehlers spent the last decade with the Winnipeg Jets, where he collected 225 goals and 520 points in 674 games. He had a breakout season in 2024-25, scoring 24 goals and grabbing 63 points in just 69 games. The Hurricanes, who have been searching for a top scoring winger long-term, have secured a player who can elevate their offense.
Carolina’s previous attempts to add a scoring threat were unsuccessful. The team tried acquiring Jake Guentzel at the trade deadline but he walked away in free agency. They also attempted to acquire Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner, but both deals fell through. With Ehlers on board, the Hurricanes have added a pure offensive threat who will slot into a top-six role.
Ehlers’ arrival is expected to boost Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, providing them with an elite winger to play alongside. The team’s offense has dipped in the playoffs, and Ehlers’ addition should help them generate more consistently from up front. With Ehlers committed to the franchise, the Hurricanes have made a significant splash in their offseason signing.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45660847/hurricanes-sign-nik-ehlers-6-year-51-million-deal