Latest news with #Ehlers
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jets mailbag: Pending free agents and possible roster moves
Summertime is coming in hot — and so, too, are your questions about the Winnipeg Jets. Our monthly mailbag is overflowing with queries about a number of topics. From pending free agents and possible roster moves to the team's second-round playoff exit and what it's going to take to finally reach the top, Free Press hockey writers Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre are here with the answers in a super-sized off-season edition. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files If the Winnipeg Jets lose Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency, they'll need to add a big piece, but the core is going to be the same. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files If the Winnipeg Jets lose Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency, they'll need to add a big piece, but the core is going to be the same. 1. Do you genuinely think the Jets will keep Nikolaj Ehlers and/or get the pieces they desperately need and hopefully have a changed core going into the regular season? Or do you foresee only one of those things happening? RIYANA 2. How much of a turnover in the roster for next season do you expect? VERN WIEBE: These questions aren't the same, but they're not dissimilar either, so let's tackle them as one. It's too early to rule out an extension for Ehlers, but it's also true that as of right now, the Jets are the only team with the ability to negotiate with him and his camp. Since Ehlers is so close to being an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, it seems unlikely that he wouldn't simply wait for July 1 to see what offers are out there before making a decision of this magnitude, but only Ehlers knows for sure what is most important for him in his next deal. Various projections have Ehlers moving from an AAV of US$6 million to something north of US$8 million and potentially reaching or eclipsing US$9 million. Working in the Jets' favour is his promotion to the top power-play unit this season and the 10 seasons of sweat equity invested. However, there will be other teams — and contenders — that will be able to offer first-line minutes to Ehlers that don't appear to be available with the Jets at this time. As for changing the core significantly, that's simply not going to happen. The core may be augmented and if the Jets lose Ehlers in free agency, they'll need to add a big piece, but the core is going to be the same. That's why Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele signed massive extensions and it's why Kyle Connor is expected to follow suit. Josh Morrissey has three more years on his contract, Neal Pionk just signed a seven-year extension and Dylan Samberg is set for a long-term pact and significant raise. Gabe Vilardi is someone the Jets believe in and that will be apparent once his deal gets done and Cole Perfetti just took a big step forward, while Adam Lowry is expected to ink an extension before his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. In short, minimal turnover is expected on the Jets' roster, but some additions would certainly appear to be part of that equation in order for the organization to take another step forward in its playoff pursuits. 3. What does management need to do to make this team as prepared for the Stanley Cup Playoffs as possible? TOM MCINTYRE: On paper, the Jets appeared to be as prepared as any team this spring given that they finished the regular season on top of the standings. But dig a little deeper and you realize a lack of depth proved costly, especially as the injuries to key players began to pile on. Not to belabour this issue I've previously written about, but failing to add an impact forward or two at the trade deadline really proved to be costly. The fact the Jets left approximately US$6 million in cap space untouched really stood out. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. So my immediate answer to your question would be, 'Don't make that mistake again.' I know GM Kevin Cheveldayoff tried various things which didn't work out for one reason or another, but you don't win trophies in the NHL for trying. It's a results-based business, and building off a solid foundation by adding some strong supporting pieces is pivotal. Your question was specific to management, so I'll leave it there other than to say they no doubt hope some of the painful lessons once again learned by Jets players during these playoffs will pay off down the road. 4. Could Connor Hellebuyck's continuous playoff underperformance be caused by fatigue, and if so should the Jets invest in a higher quality backup and limit Hellebuyck to 50 starts? BOB WIEBE: First and foremost, Hellebuyck played his best hockey of the playoffs at the end of the second-round series against the Dallas Stars, so that would run counter to your theory. That doesn't mean it should be dismissed entirely. After not being pulled a single time during the regular season, Hellebuyck didn't complete any of the three road games in the opening round against the St. Louis Blues and that was abnormal. It's worth noting that there were two-day breaks on multiple occasions and for someone who relies on rhythm like Hellebuyck does, that might have been a bigger factor than fatigue when it comes to the higher number of goals allowed than we're used to seeing. Hellebuyck himself mentioned the weight of the world being lifted off his shoulders by finally advancing past the first round for the first time since 2021, so there could have been some mental fatigue that was part of the equation. By the end of the season, Hellebuyck had made 79 appearances (including 78 starts) when you include the regular season (62 starts, one brief relief appearance), 4 Nations Face-Off (three starts) and Stanley Cup playoffs (13). Fred Greenslade / The Canadian Press Files By the end of the season, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had made 79 appearances (including 78 starts) when you include the regular season (62 starts, one brief relief appearance), 4 Nations Face-Off (three starts) and Stanley Cup playoffs (13). Fred Greenslade / The Canadian Press Files By the end of the season, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had made 79 appearances (including 78 starts) when you include the regular season (62 starts, one brief relief appearance), 4 Nations Face-Off (three starts) and Stanley Cup playoffs (13). If the Jets were to reach their ultimate goal, Hellebuyck would have needed to make somewhere between eight and 14 more starts, so that's another thing to consider. I asked Hellebuyck about his workload after the Jets held exit interviews at the conclusion of the season and he made it clear he wasn't tired and that he got ample rest down the stretch. Hellebuyck has been north of 60 starts on six occasions, had 56 and 58 two other times and started 45 times during the pandemic-shortened campaign. So, do I think Hellebuyck's workload will be reduced to 50 starts? Absolutely not, nor does it need to be. However, given that it will be his 11th NHL season and he turned 32 last month, moving him somewhere in the range of 56 to 58 starts makes sense — especially during an Olympic year. And despite all of the chatter about Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars during the playoffs, Hellebuyck remains the front-runner to be the starter for Team USA in Italy. As for the backup role, Eric Comrie showed he was more than capable while posting a 2.39 goals-against average and .914, numbers that were rock-solid. Limited run support impacted his 9-10-1 record, but there was nothing to suggest he couldn't handle an additional three-to-five starts next season. 5. In my view, (this year) the Oilers and Panthers can go into an extra gear that no other team in the league can reach. Evidence: the Panthers smoking the Canes and the Oilers smoking the Stars. How do the Jets find this elusive gear? @Oaktree65472824 MCINTYRE: You're right about the extra gear. Both Edmonton and Florida ultimately finished third in their respective divisions, yet now find themselves facing off for a second straight spring for Lord Stanley. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel. They know how to win on the biggest stage and didn't sweat the fact they had to start the first three rounds on the road (and, in Florida's case, all four rounds). That's the intangible every team hopes to have, but few achieve. But it brings me back to the 'calluses' Jets head coach Scott Arniel often talks about, and how those can help form the type of resilience you ultimately need to win it all. Hockey history shows us there are many teams that suffered multiple disappointments before reaching the summit, including the Panthers who won the Presidents' Trophy in 2021-22 only to get bounced in the first round. I'd say they responded to that fairly well, wouldn't you? Paul Maurice actually brought that up the other day when asked about the Jets, so we'll see if they can follow suit. 6. Would Cole Perfetti ever be considered for 2nd line centre? CATHY WIEBE: That Perfetti was a candidate for the job going into the 2023-24 season means that you can't rule him out down the road, but the experiment was abandoned early by Rick Bowness and then Arniel has made it clear that he likes what he sees from Perfetti on the wing. So barring a change on that front, it would appear to be more of a backburner topic for the Jets — though the injury to Lowry, who will miss time after successful hip surgery, could alter those plans, depending on what happens this summer in regards to trades or free agency. Matt Slocum / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Forward Cole Perfetti appeared in all 82 regular season games for the Jets before suiting up in 13 more during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Matt Slocum / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Forward Cole Perfetti appeared in all 82 regular season games for the Jets before suiting up in 13 more during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The biggest development for Perfetti this season was that he was able to stay healthy and appear in all 82 games before suiting up in 13 more during the Stanley Cup playoffs. His game evolved nicely and while his production was on the rise (hitting 50 points for the first time in his career), Perfetti's ability to make an impact even in the games he wasn't on the scoresheet was incredibly important. He grew into a primary point producer, scoring one of the most important goals of the entire season, scoring with 2.2 seconds left in regulation with the net empty to pave the way for Lowry's heroics in double overtime in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues. This isn't to suggest Perfetti couldn't handle the additional defensive responsibilities that come with playing centre, but it seems most likely he will continue to be on the wing at this stage of his career. With 37 goals during the past two seasons, expecting him to eclipse 25 goals is a reasonable expectation, especially if he sees more time on the top power play. 7. What odds would you place on Jonathan Toews signing with the Jets? And if he did, what's the earliest he can sign with them? Also, is it possible Elias Salomonsson can make the Jets team next season? @Oaktree65472824 MCINTYRE: Toews and the Jets seem like a great fit, which Cheveldayoff admitted to when I sat down with him this past January in Salt Lake City for a mid-season chat. Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press Files Jonathan Toews' history with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff dating back to their time in Chicago might give WInnipeg an inside edge on top of the hometown factor for Captain Serious to sign with Winnipeg. Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press Files Jonathan Toews' history with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff dating back to their time in Chicago might give WInnipeg an inside edge on top of the hometown factor for Captain Serious to sign with Winnipeg. The two men have a history dating back to their time in Chicago, which included winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, so you'd think that might give Winnipeg an inside track. There's also the hometown factor and the glaring need for additional centre depth which you would think would check off some additional boxes for Toews. I don't expect money to be an issue here — Toews won't be signing for a big bucks given his age and recent history but rather a short-term deal with a low base and perhaps some performance incentives built in. If I had to quantify the likelihood of landing him, I'd put it around 70 per cent. As for Salomonsson, you could see Arniel's eyes light up as he discussed the young defenceman at year-end exit meetings last month. There was even a comparison to Samberg, which is high praise. I fully expect he will be given every opportunity to show he can win a spot in the top six this fall, which could force the Jets to expose a player like Colin Miller (signed for one more season at US$1.5 million) to waivers. 8. What would the offer sheet need to look like and what would the compensation be if the Jets offer sheeted Marco Rossi? LEE WIEBE: The successful offer sheets by the St. Louis Blues in obtaining D-man Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway have some folks aflutter with thoughts of offer sheets running wild as a weapon set to be unleashed by more general managers than we've ever seen before. But a rising salary cap means that many teams would have a better opportunity to match whatever teams make the bold decision to use an offer sheet. The move worked out exceedingly well for the Blues, with Holloway enjoying a breakout offensive season and Broberg flourishing in a top-4 role. So, it's natural that teams will explore the possibilities. As it pertains specifically to Minnesota Wild Marco Rossi, it seems more likely the Jets could explore trading for Rossi than attempting an offer sheet. Rossi is coming off a season where he delivered career-highs in goals (24) and points (60). He's appeared in 82 games in each of the past two NHL seasons and had 21 goals and 40 points as a rookie. He's been productive and has ample upside. Stacy Bengs / The Associated Press Files Minnesota Wild centreman Marco Rossi (left) is coming off a season where he scored 60 points with 24 goals and appeared in all 82 regular-season games. Stacy Bengs / The Associated Press Files Minnesota Wild centreman Marco Rossi (left) is coming off a season where he scored 60 points with 24 goals and appeared in all 82 regular-season games. The Jets would have done their homework on Rossi leading into the 2020 NHL Draft, where he was chosen ninth overall, one slot before the Jets grabbed Perfetti. Rossi is smaller in stature (five-foot-nine), but has excellent vision and looks like someone that could blossom as a second-line centre. The Wild are looking to improve its depth at centre beyond Joel Eriksson Ek, so it seems strange that they would consider moving Rossi but his name is definitely out there. The Wild would likely prefer a proven 2C in return, but if they're able to find one in free agency, perhaps they would be interested in a first-round pick or a prospect instead? PuckPedia lists the Wild with having just north of US$15 million in cap space available to them, with 11 forwards, seven defencemen and two goalies under contract. Rossi is a pending restricted free agent, as is former Jets blue-liner Declan Chisholm. If the Wild aren't interested in offering Rossi a long-term deal, the prospects of moving him could be enhanced. Since the Wild were believed to be one of the serious contenders for centre Brock Nelson before he signed a three-year extension with an AAV of US$7.5 million on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if that changes how GM Bill Guerin adjusts his off-season priorities. 9. What % would you give to the Jets trading their first-round pick? Is this a deep draft or not? MCINTYRE: The possibility should absolutely be on the table if it means making the Jets better right now. With the current window of contention wide open, thinking several years into the future should take a back seat to doing everything possible in the present. Winnipeg currently owns the 28th pick in the first round. Although they would likely get a nice prospect in that spot, this isn't considered a particularly deep draft so whatever player they land is probably years away from having any kind of impact. In other words, that could have a lot more value to a rebuilding team that is trying to stockpile as many good young players as possible. Should they consider trading it if the return is valuable? 100 per cent. Will they? I'll put that more around the 50 per cent range. 10. Last year, you mentioned Connor McMichael as a possible 2C target for the Jets, and he blew up with a career year. Who's on the list this summer? WIEBE: McMichael is someone whose name was circulating around the 2024 NHL draft when word got out that the Jets could be looking to move forward prospect Rutger McGroarty, who was eventually dealt nearly two months later to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Brayden Yager, who will be turning pro this fall after another great WHL season. Susan Walsh / The Associated Press Files Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael had a breakout year this season. Susan Walsh / The Associated Press Files Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael had a breakout year this season. It's easy to see why McMichael was someone that was on the Jets' radar, given the season he just completed. Though he was used mostly on the wing and often with former Jets pivot Pierre-Luc Dubois, McMichael, who turned 24 in January, finished with career-bests in goals (26) and points (57) while appearing in 82 games, adding four goals and six points in 10 playoff games this spring. We'll explore the list more extensively in the days leading up to the NHL draft and free agency, but someone that has my attention is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger. The son of longtime NHLer Mike Sillinger was chosen 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL draft and finds himself behind former Jets' centre Sean Monahan and Adam Fantilli on the depth chart. Sillinger had 11 goals and 33 points in 66 games last season while averaging just under 17 minutes per game and is someone who might benefit from a change of scenery. Although the 22-year-old was born in Columbus, Ohio, he's got Regina roots and could excel while playing on the Prairies. Sillinger had 16 goals and 31 points as an NHL rookie and has already been in double digits for goals three times. Could he hit 20 goals with an expanded role? Only time will tell, but Sillinger is six-foot-one and 205 pounds and has recorded 396 hits during the past four seasons, so he would bring some edge to go along with his complementary production. 11. Do you see the Jets re-signing Mason Appleton or Brandon Tanev? Which current Moose player will make the opening lineup? MARK MCINTYRE: No. And no. I really don't see room for either player, with the Jets likely filling their positions with younger and cheaper players. Nikita Chibrikov and Parker Ford are two potential wingers with the Moose who immediately come to mind, with both showing well this year in brief looks with the Jets before they suffered season-ending injuries on the farm. Obviously Brad Lambert will get a long look in camp, even if he took a big offensive step back in his sophomore AHL season, and Salomonsson should, at the very least, get some NHL games. 12. With second line centre being the perpetual gap in the lineup and limited options for acquiring a new one, why is there not more consideration for moving Gabe Vilardi to 2C? Despite success when required, Blake Wheeler always seemed to resist the idea too. I wonder why obviously skilled players with the aptitude for the centre position avoid (second line) centre? @ WIEBE: There's little doubt the Jets will be investigating the second-line centre position once again this summer, but it's one of several things to monitor within the top-six forward group. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files There's little doubt Gabe Vilardi could be an effective second-line centre for the Jets, but they would need to replace his offence – 61 points in 71 games – on their top line. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files There's little doubt Gabe Vilardi could be an effective second-line centre for the Jets, but they would need to replace his offence – 61 points in 71 games – on their top line. While it's true that Vilardi played some solid minutes at centre as a member of the Los Angeles Kings before he was traded to the Jets, given some of the health challenges he's endured over the past several seasons, playing on the wing is typically a bit easier on his body. That's one of the biggest factors. Another thing is that Vilardi was part of one of the most productive first lines in the entire NHL before he got hurt last season. If he's moving to centre, he's moving to the second line. Essentially that was the question the Jets had to consider with Wheeler, who was one of the best right-wingers in the NHL at the time. Were they better off with Wheeler at 2C or playing on the top line with Scheifele and Connor? This is a similar situation. There's little doubt Vilardi could be an effective 2C, but the Jets would also need to replace his offence (27 goals, 61 points in 71 games) on the top line if they made that move. Could the Lowry injury force the Jets to reconsider? It's possible, but these answers will become clearer once the NHL draft and free agency are in the rear-view mirror. The potential addition of Toews as an unrestricted free agent could also factor into the decisions down the middle. 13. How does the way the Jets playoffs ended/went improve the chances of landing legit top 6 forwards or a top 4 D in the couple years going forward. Just the way they were able to beat St Louis in a Miraculous fashion, and the emotional connection to the end of the Jets season. MICHAEL MCINTYRE: From the way this city rallied around the Jets to the first-class treatment the organization showed its players, you'd have to think potential free agents in other markets at least took notice. And while I don't expect Winnipeg will ever hang with the likes of Florida and Vegas when it comes to attracting available athletes, I do believe the way this past season played out should at least help the cause. At the very least, joining the team that won the Presidents' Trophy and has its core mostly locked up, including the best goaltender on the planet, should be enticing to anyone in a 'win now' mode. And getting treated like royalty by ownership, management and fans alike has to be appealing when weighing various intangibles. 14. Any buzz/hype in the Jets org about Kieron Walton and Jacob Julien? Their stats look good, but are they AHL lifers? @ MCINTYRE: There's certainly excitement about these two prospects, who literally cast large shadows given their size (Walton is six-foot-six, 216 pounds, while Julien is six-foot-four and 190 pounds). Let's start with Julien, who is fresh off helping his hometown London Knights win the Memorial Cup. Although his personal stats dipped quite a bit this year — 11 goals and 43 assists during the season compared to 29 tallies and 49 helpers last year — Julien had a monster playoff performance which included 23 points (8G, 15A) in 22 games. He elevated his game on an incredibly deep team while also serving as an alternate captain. He'll turn 21 in September and make the jump to pro this fall. I fully expect that to be with the Manitoba Moose, but his development will be something to watch closely as I truly believe there could be an NHL player here down the road. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press Files Jacob Julien (right) scored the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers last Sunday. Julien will most likely be on the Manitoba Moose roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press Files Jacob Julien (right) scored the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers last Sunday. Julien will most likely be on the Manitoba Moose roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. The same goes for Walton, who just turned 19 and is expected to head back to the Sudbury Wolves for a fourth season this fall. He took a massive lead this past year, with 92 points in 66 games after putting up 43 in 65 contests a year earlier. The fact he did this on a team that was rather thin up front is even more impressive. Walton had five points (1G, 4A) in four playoff games as his team was swept in the first round, then made his pro debut with the Moose on an amateur tryout and recorded an assist in four AHL games. Julien (fifth round in 2023) and Walton (sixth round in 2024) both have the potential to be the kind of diamonds in the rough that good organizations often hit on during the draft. Questions about their skating/mobility likely caused them both to fall, so that will be something they'll have to continue to work on. But there's no doubt these two big men have a real nose for the net. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Ken WiebeReporter Raised in the booming metropolis of Altona, Man., Ken Wiebe grew up wanting to play in the NHL, but after realizing his hands were more adept at typing than scoring, he shifted his attention to cover his favourite sport as a writer. Read full biography Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when that dream fizzled, he put all his brawn into becoming a professional writer. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Kepler Capital Remains a Hold on Kendrion NV (0G68)
Kepler Capital analyst Tim Ehlers maintained a Hold rating on Kendrion NV (0G68 – Research Report) on June 2 and set a price target of €13.40. The company's shares closed yesterday at €11.22. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Ehlers covers the Industrials sector, focusing on stocks such as Arcadis NV, Nedap N.V, and Signify NV. According to TipRanks, Ehlers has an average return of 21.8% and a 49.02% success rate on recommended stocks. Kendrion NV has an analyst consensus of Hold, with a price target consensus of €13.40.
New York Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Which NHL teams should be interested in Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency?
Nikolaj Ehlers is closing in on unrestricted free agency after 10 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. Ehlers, 29, has scored 520 points in 674 regular-season games. He's averaged 15:48 per game over the course of his last three seasons, prompting frequent discussion about his playing time — most of it online, some between Ehlers and multiple head coaches. Speaking with The Athletic during the season, Ehlers was adamant about his love for his teammates, his love for Jets fans, and his uncertainty about what his future would hold. Advertisement As the offseason progresses, the likelihood increases that Ehlers will explore his UFA opportunity on July 1. Despite conversations between Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and Ehlers' agent, André Rufener — and despite Cheveldayoff's characterization of Winnipeg's contract offer as a 'Jet for life' type of deal — Ehlers' most likely path involves exploring what free agency has to offer. This isn't to say that the Jets hold no appeal or that Ehlers' departure is a certainty. Winnipeg is one of several teams who could use a top-six forward who can produce on a top power-play unit. Ehlers leads all Jets in five-on-five points per minute over the past three seasons and factored in on a higher percentage of Winnipeg's power play goals with him on the ice than anyone else on the No. 1 unit. Ehlers is fast and so creative in conjuring moments that break defenders out of their structure. He's a force in transition who can create offense without relying on extended offensive zone time and would be an asset on many NHL teams — Winnipeg included. There are also moments of chaos that leave linemates flatfooted, putting them offside or making them wait as Ehlers turns a straight line zone entry into a bit of freewheeling jazz in the offensive zone. He's also not a strong D-zone player, while Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry's lines got the most difficult matchups in Winnipeg. But every Jets skater was more productive with Ehlers on their line than without him this season — a trend that's been true for most of Ehlers' career. 'He's one of our best players and he carries the play so much when he's on the ice,' said Kyle Connor at Jets exit interviews. 'He's a huge piece for us and big in our locker room, too.' Ehlers missed exit interviews with Winnipeg media to play for Denmark at the men's World Championship. His teammates shared Connor's sentiments, praising Ehlers' quality as a person and as a player while acknowledging the uncertainty of his future. Advertisement One certainty of his future: a nice raise in the offseason. But just how much? Evolving-Hockey projects a seven-year deal worth $8.9 million a year outside of Winnipeg. That is slightly above his $8.1 million market value, according to Dom Luszczyszyn's market value. While star players usually don't get signed for what they're worth, the tier below sometimes do. Since there isn't a ton of high-end talent in the 2025 free agent market (and in a growing cap world, teams have more spending power), Ehlers' deal could inflate above his market value and closer to the $9 million mark. So, where will Ehlers play next season? Here are 11 teams that could — or should — be interested. Puck possession team, meet puck possession all-star. The Hurricanes are known as a forward thinking, analytics-inclined team and Ehlers is an analytics darling. He's so effective in transition that most models grade him out as a strong defensive player, while generating — and finishing — scoring chances from the most dangerous areas of the ice. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes arrive at the offseason with an eye-popping $28 million in cap space, along with a roster that's nearly complete. They're ideally positioned to compete for — and win — top UFA targets like Ehlers (and perhaps even Mitch Marner, even after Marner nixed a mid-season Mikko Rantanen trade.) The tantalizing thing about Ehlers as a Hurricane is that he's a close stylistic match for Martin Necas: a dynamic rush threat who generates a ton of zone entries and then turns those entries into real goals for himself and for his teammates. Ehlers' power play offense surged with his promotion to the Jets' top unit this season: 7.55 points per 60 minutes, compared to Necas' 7.35 points per 60 in Carolina. With so much cap space, such obvious forechecking strengths, such obvious finishing weaknesses, and another Eastern Conference finals exit, this should be a franchise-defining offseason in Carolina. Ehlers does not match the Hurricanes' forechecking strengths but excels in every offensive area they lack — and helps turn expected goals into the ones that count. Advertisement The Golden Knights have invested a ton in their blue line and center depth, sometimes at the expense of their wingers. What was once a strength in Vegas has faded over the last couple of seasons, and free agency is the prime time to address it since the team doesn't have many prospects or draft picks to spend in a trade scenario. Aside from Pavel Dorofeyev, the Golden Knights don't have a ton of pure offensive threats like Ehlers on the wing. And that proved costly against the Oilers, as the team only mustered seven five-on-five goals across five games in Round 2. What Vegas does have is a lot of two-way talent, from Jack Eichel and William Karlsson down the middle to Mark Stone on the wing. With two lines capable of playing matchup minutes, the team should be able to shelter him to more offensive usage. Or maybe one of those centers can help add some balance to a line with Ehlers. The big question is cost, since the Golden Knights don't have a ton of cap space to work with right now. That's something management has a ton of experience navigating; there are always subtractions to make to push the salary bounds when needed. Ehlers wouldn't need to be the answer in New Jersey — the Devils already have Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier up front, with Dawson Mercer and Ehlers' former junior teammate Timo Meier playing important roles. Still, New Jersey has room for one more game-breaker in its top six and lamented its lack of offense during the playoffs. Ehlers is dangerous in transition, creative on the power play and an underrated puck retrieval weapon to help extend offensive zone shifts. The obvious fly in the ointment is cap space: Luke Hughes' next contract will take up too much of the Devils' $12 million of projected cap room for New Jersey to accommodate Ehlers without follow-up moves. Ondrej Palat, at $6 million, represents a potential safety valve on that front. He does have a no-move clause with a 10-team no-trade clause as of July 1 and it's worth noting that the Devils' 2022 bet on Palat may show a preference to supplement their stars with Cup-winning veterans. Even with that substantial caveat, the Devils' moment has arrived. Jakob Markstrom has stabilized their goaltending. The Hughes brothers are expected to be healthy to start next season. And Ehlers, whose 2.1 points per 60 minutes last season put him on par with Jack Hughes, would get to play with a more dynamic center than Vladislav Namestnikov, increasing his potential for offensive output whether he plays with Hughes or Hischier in the top six. Advertisement If Mitch Marner walks as a free agent, Toronto should join the market for Ehlers. As much as Toronto has adopted a more playoff-style game with tight defense and an aggressive forecheck, this team still needs a high-octane offense with more contributors. That would still be true even if Marner, a winger capable of putting up 100 points, were to extend. As much as the focus is always on what the Core Four do, the fact is that the team got outscored 12-6 this postseason with Marner, Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares on the bench. So if Marner leaves, that offensive need is even more pressing. Ehlers isn't a one-for-one replacement for Marner. He doesn't play matchup minutes or kill penalties. But he's a high-end puck mover who can generate rush scoring and create dangerous chances. And with his salary on the books in place of Marner's, the Leafs would have more space to add depth scoring (or any extra penalty killers) needed around their core. While Ehlers doesn't have the longest history of excelling in the playoffs, his difference-making performance this spring in Winnipeg showed those demons are behind him. Just look at his cross-ice pass that helped set up Cole Perfetti's Game 7 game-tying goal in Round 1. WITH 1.6 SECONDS TO GO. 🤯 COLE PERFETTI‼️ — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 5, 2025 Ehlers doesn't fit the mold of the Kings' structure or forward group,, so this pick may feel out of left field. But after four (!) consecutive Round 1 eliminations, it's time for L.A. to go against the grain. Maybe that finally happens with Ken Holland taking over as general manager for Rob Blake. The Kings don't necessarily need to completely overhaul their roster or playing style, but it's clear this team needs some change to better compete with the best in the West. It's thought that defense wins championships, but it's clear in recent years that a team also needs an elite offense. So this team should be looking to add more scoring pop to their defensive playing style. Adding more puck-moving forwards who can boost the team's rush-based attack could be the key. Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere all contribute shots in transition, but only Kevin Fiala stands out with some of the best in the league. Via AllThreeZones With Ehlers in the fold, the top six would have more dimension. L.A.'s two-way centers would help offset any defensive concerns with Ehlers' game, allowing him to play to his strengths. The Capitals' biggest challenge as an organization will be their transition to life after Alexander Ovechkin, whose contract ends after this season. They're in a surprisingly good place to do so, with their core mostly intact and a little over $10 million in cap space this summer — and Ehlers could be a perfect place to spend that money. Advertisement Washington's game is predicated on hard, heavy forechecking. The Capitals are loaded with big bodies and puck-hounding forechecking threats. They recover their dump-ins, protect the puck well in traffic and generate a lot of offense off of extended zone time. They don't particularly excel on generating offense off the rush, which is where Ehlers excels. At 29 years old, Ehlers is a zone-entry machine and a threat to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates off those entries. His high-speed, structure-breaking offensive game that could help Washington supplement its heavy forecheck with an elite transition threat. It may be that the Capitals use their cap space in an effort to re-sign UFA Andrew Mangiapane, who they limited to a third-line role in the name of building roster balance. Mangiapane fits the Capitals' puck-hounding, forecheck-heavy stylistic game more closely than Ehlers does. But by being a different, more chaotic type of threat, Ehlers could insulate Washington from those long nights in Raleigh where zone time gets hard to come by and the offense fades away. The Rangers would have to clear cap space, potentially in the form of moving Chris Kreider's $6.5 million, for an Ehlers-sized swing to make sense this summer. They're starting the offseason with just $8.4 million in projected cap space, while needing to sign K'Andre Miller, Matt Rempe and Will Cuyle, among others. If they do clear enough space to sign Ehlers, he could be a perfect fit. The Rangers' forward group is deep and diverse, but new coach Mike Sullivan inherits a roster with a lot of question marks after a disappointing season. Will Mika Zibanejad play center or move to right wing, as he did to end the season? If he keeps playing down the middle, who could offer New York the same kind of quality on the right side, given all of its commitments on the left? Ehlers solves a lot of those problems. He's a left-shooting winger who has played portions of his NHL career on the right side, including a dominant stretch with Mark Scheifele and Mathieu Perreault way back in 2019. New York could use him as a Kreider replacement if they do trade their longtime veteran, or play him on the right side if they'd prefer to keep Zibanejad at center. No matter how they deploy him, Ehlers would be a boon to a power play that managed to drastically underperform the sum of its parts in 2024-25. If the Canucks are going to prove this past season was a fluke, it has to be a busy summer in Vancouver to upgrade this roster. This isn't a contender-worthy team. It wasn't even a playoff-caliber group in 2024-25. The league's top contenders provide a loose blueprint of what to strive for. Between the Panthers, Oilers, Stars and Hurricanes, the average forward corps of the 2025 conference finalists has a plus-35.7 Net Rating. Vancouver, for comparison, is down at plus-0.10. Advertisement While there will be a big focus on the middle of the ice this summer, with Vancouver likely in the market for a 2C, the wings can't be neglected, either — especially if Brock Boeser walks as a free agent. Even if Boeser extends, this team still needs a boost because as it stands, Conor Garland is the most valuable winger on this team … and that doesn't scream contender. That's why Ehlers should be on the Canucks' radar. He would have a positive impact on a five-on-five offense that ranked in the bottom 10 this year and knock the rest of the winger depth into more fitting roles. And his creativity would help give the power play a spark after wilting this season. With Mathieu Darche leading the way as general manager, it's a new era of Islanders hockey. But what direction will he take this summer? The Islanders could opt for a retool and focus on reclamation projects and up-and-coming talent this summer. That would allow management to take a more patient approach to free agency this summer and instead prep for a loaded 2026 class. But with Mathew Barzal, Noah Dobson and Ilya Sorokin all in the right age range to compete, they could look to make a quicker turnaround. That's where someone like Ehlers could come into the picture. His offensive ability is exactly what this team is missing; there isn't much top-six talent on Long Island outside of Barzal and Bo Horvat. As much as Patrick Roy helped the team tighten up defensively when he first took over, the offense has remained a weak point on Long Island. By adding help on the wings, it would allow Barzal to shift back to the middle — and stop the team from having to overspend on a new 2C in what looks like a pretty thin center market this summer. The Canadiens' top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky was a driving force behind the team's push for the postseason. At five-on-five, this trio outscored opponents 50-29 in the regular season. But without this line on the ice, the Canadiens were outscored 117-79. So Montreal should be in the market for more support behind those three roster staples at the top of the lineup. A full season of Ivan Demidov on the second line could go a long way, but Montreal may still want more reliable scoring on the wings. As much as the Canadiens are projecting a more conservative free-agency approach, this is where someone like Ehlers could make sense. His presence (along with Demidov's) would shift players who slotted into second-line roles into more fitting third-line positions. Advertisement The tricky part of rebuilding is knowing when to start adding players in that 'right now' age range. A team shouldn't build their roster through free agency, but can use it to accent an up-and-coming core if there's a measured approach between taking big swings and spending irresponsibly. That's the line management would have to walk with Ehlers, if the team feels it's ready to phase out of a rebuild and into a playoff team. Look at the Stanley Cup Final for a quick lesson in the UFA value of a budding superstar. The Oilers weren't a top UFA destination … then they drafted Connor McDavid and the world opened up to them. Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, Adam Henrique and others joined Edmonton in search of a Cup title alongside the NHL's preeminent superstar. Chicago isn't quite ready to follow suit but has a lot of money to spend and a first-line, top-unit job alongside Connor Bedard on offer to this summer's free agents. Meanwhile, Ehlers is likely thinking long-term for his next contract — term that would buy Chicago time to continue its build. If the 29-year-old Ehlers is willing to move from the Cup-contending Jets to the 31st-place Blackhawks — and wait — then Chicago should be able to put together a compelling package of ice time, opportunity and money. For Chicago, the signing would be a clear indication to its market that the Blackhawks are on their way back — and motivation for fans to return the United Center to 100 percent capacity. Ehlers' speed brings fans to their feet and he's an easy sell in the community. It's just hard to think he'd wait 10 years to earn UFA status and sign with a team so far from immediate contention. Data via Dom Luszczyszyn, Evolving-Hockey, All Three Zones, TheStanleyCap and CapWages
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New Islanders GM evaluates Horvat and Palmieri future
The New York Islanders are entering a pivotal offseason under newly appointed general manager Mathieu Darche. With cornerstone players such as Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and Ilya Sorokin secured on long-term deals, Darche is expected to retool rather than rebuild. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Among the immediate decisions he faces is the future of Bo Horvat. Despite being under contract through 2031 with a full no-trade clause for the next two seasons, Horvat's value as a top-tier center could attract significant interest from teams seeking help in a shallow free-agent market. While some insiders believe Darche may entertain offers, the current sentiment suggests the Isles may prefer to retain Horvat's leadership and offensive depth. Veteran winger Kyle Palmieri is another key player with an uncertain future. Talks of a contract extension were initiated under former GM Lou Lamoriello but stalled after his departure. With Palmieri's production holding steady and his contract expiring, Darche could negotiate a short-term deal. A pay cut from his current $5 million annual salary might be required for him to stay, but his contributions could justify a modest raise depending on market demand. Jets weigh contract extension or trade for Ehlers LIVE: Mathieu Darche Press Conference In Winnipeg, speculation continues around forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who is entering the final year of his seven-year deal. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff appears interested in retaining Ehlers long-term, having recently held an extended meeting with the winger's agent. The hope in Winnipeg is to make Ehlers a permanent fixture in the lineup. Islanders eye promising young talent for the future New York Islanders (Credit: Getty Image) Another angle to Darche's strategy could involve young prospects. His experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning has sparked speculation that he may look to bring in Isaac Howard, a Hobey Baker winner who remains unsigned by the Lightning. The Islanders could offer Howard a quicker path to NHL action, something that may appeal to the young forward seeking a stable development route. Read more: As the offseason progresses, the decisions made by the Islanders and Jets front offices will help define the next phase for both organizations.
Business Insider
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Kepler Capital Sticks to Their Buy Rating for Arcadis NV (0N6B)
In a report released on May 27, Tim Ehlers from Kepler Capital maintained a Buy rating on Arcadis NV (0N6B – Research Report), with a price target of €65.00. The company's shares closed last Tuesday at €45.46. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Ehlers covers the Industrials sector, focusing on stocks such as Arcadis NV, Nedap N.V, and Signify NV. According to TipRanks, Ehlers has an average return of 19.2% and a 48.00% success rate on recommended stocks. The word on The Street in general, suggests a Strong Buy analyst consensus rating for Arcadis NV with a €65.00 average price target.
