The top free agent forward available in free agency will need time to figure out his next step.
Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers officially hit the open market at noon, but rumors have surfaced that his contract decision-making may stretch into Wednesday.
The reporting comes from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
The Athletic’s Murat Ates reported Monday that the Washington Capitals were among the teams interested in signing Ehlers, along with the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan later confirmed that reporting.
Ehlers, 29, had 63 points (24g, 39a) in 69 games last season, notching his fourth career 60-point campaign. He added seven points (5g, 2a) in eight playoff games for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Jets. He would likely slot into the Capitals’ top-six, where his speed and scoring talent could make an immediate impact.
Washington currently has $6.95 million in cap space to work with after signing trade acquisitions Justin Sourdif and Declan Chisholm (though pending RFA Hendrix Lapierre has yet to ink a contract).
President of hockey operations Brian MacLellan said in May that the Capitals were “willing to be aggressive” in the offseason. General manager Chris Patrick told reporters this week that the Caps are open to signing a major, pricey free agent with their available cap space, although they may still opt to spread that money among several less expensive players instead.
