On a recent episode of the FAN Hockey Show, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared his insights on the Winnipeg Jets' current struggles, emphasizing the significant void left by Nikolaj Ehlers' departure during the offseason. According to Friedman, the Jets are finding it difficult to keep up in today's fast-paced NHL.
Friedman's primary concern revolves around the team's lack of secondary scoring. He notes that the Jets reside in a challenging division, facing tough opponents like the Colorado Avalanche, the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild. The team is struggling to overcome the deficits they face, as scoring beyond the top line remains inconsistent. The absence of Ehlers, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, has amplified this issue, and the team clearly misses his offensive contributions.
While Friedman initially hesitated to predict who would fill the gap left by Ehlers, the statistics now highlight the impact of his absence. Attempts to adjust the lines haven't yielded the desired results, leaving the top players burdened with carrying the offensive load, which Friedman deems unsustainable.
Friedman also points out that the Jets appear slow, particularly when matched against teams like the Boston Bruins or the Washington Capitals. In the modern NHL, characterized by speed and quick transitions, this sluggishness further diminishes their chances of winning.
Friedman had reported earlier in the year that Ehlers was likely to test the free agent market, a prediction that ultimately came to fruition. Ehlers himself communicated his intentions to explore free agency, although he didn't completely rule out a return to Winnipeg. Over his ten seasons with the Jets, Ehlers was a consistent offensive contributor, amassing 225 goals and 295 assists in 674 games. In the 2024-25 season, he scored 24 goals and 39 assists in 69 games.
Friedman had also noted in June that Ehlers was seeking a situation where he could win, possibly more than a lucrative contract. He speculated that this desire to compete for a Stanley Cup might influence his decision, even potentially leading him to consider a return to Winnipeg.
Ultimately, Ehlers's departure has had a noticeable impact on the Jets. Friedman isn't alone in observing the challenges faced by teams adapting to the loss of key players. The Toronto Maple Leafs, for instance, are also grappling with the departure of Mitch Marner and injuries to other important players. While adapting to such changes is a challenge for any team, the Jets are currently struggling to find solutions.
