Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers explains why he decided to leave the Winnipeg Jets in 2025 NHL Free Agency.

Then, a few days into free agency, star forward Nikolaj Ehlers left Winnipeg to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes as an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old forward signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Hurricanes in free agency, ending a decade-long run with the Jets.

Ehlers and the Carolina Hurricanes agreed to a six-year, $51 million contract in free agency on Friday, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. The 29-year-old hit free agency after his previous seven-year, $42 million contract with the Jets expired following the 2024-25 season.