Avalanche's Stanley Cup hopes rely on stealing this star from their divisional rival
Photo credit: Winnipeg Jets / Facebook
NHL Free Agency kicked off with a flurry of activity, as signings, trades, and surprises headlined the chaotic first day of July.
While the Colorado Avalanche have stayed mostly under the radar, reports suggest they're zeroing in on their next target: free agent forward Nikolaj Ehlers.
Sean McKenna from Mile High Sticking writes that Ehlers, a skilled winger who formerly played for the divisional rival Winnipeg Jets, remains one of the biggest names still available in free agency. Reports from across the NHL landscape point to multiple potential landing spots, and the Colorado Avalanche appear to be firmly in the mix.
"The 29 year old Danish-born winger is a consistent 60-point scorer that would provide a scoring punch for the burgundy and blue. With Jonathan Drouin signing a deal with the Islanders and rumors that Joel Kiviranta and possibly Martin Necas won't be wearing the Avalanche sweater next season, Chris MacFarland is likely throwing his eggs in one basket while Ehlers is still available to sign the biggest fish left at the market." -McKenna
Ehlers has been remarkably consistent throughout his career, netting 20 or more goals in eight of his ten NHL seasons. He's also topped the 45-point mark seven times, all while averaging just 16:26 of ice time per game, a testament to his efficiency and impact.
"The 29 year old Danish-born winger is a consistent 60-point scorer that would provide a scoring punch for the burgundy and blue. With Jonathan Drouin signing a deal with the Islanders and rumors that Joel Kiviranta and possibly Martin Necas won't be wearing the Avalanche sweater next season, Chris MacFarland is likely throwing his eggs in one basket while Ehlers is still available to sign the biggest fish left at the market." -McKenna
Landing Ehlers would make it much easier for the Avalanche to handle the possible departure of Martin Necas. Ehlers could step into that role seamlessly or bolster the second or third line, giving Colorado the depth it desperately needs. And when it comes to a deep playoff run, depth isn't optional, it's essential.
Bringing in Ehlers would send a clear message to the rest of the NHL: the Avalanche are all-in and ready to chase another Stanley Cup.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Why the Colorado Avalanche need to go all-in on former division rival forward Nikolaj Ehlers
Mile High Sticking
Why the Colorado Avalanche need to go all-in on former division rival forward Nikolaj Ehlers
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 33 ANSWERS Avalanche's Stanley Cup hopes rely on stealing this star from their divisional rival Is a deal between the Avalanche and Nikolaj Ehlers on the horizon? | ||
| yes | 16 | 48.5 % |
| no | 17 | 51.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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