The NHL offseason is heating up, and with free agency just around the corner, the rumor mill is in full swing—especially when it comes to the Montreal Canadiens. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation as whispers grow louder about the possibility of a major addition to the Habs’ forward group this summer. One name that has quickly captured the attention of the Montreal faithful is Nikolaj Ehlers, the dynamic winger from the Winnipeg Jets whose future is suddenly up in the air.

With Ehlers reportedly set to test the free agent market, speculation is mounting about whether Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes and executive vice president Jeff Gorton will make a serious push to bring the speedy Danish star to Montreal. Connections between Ehlers and fellow NHLers, as well as his impressive on-ice resume, have only fueled the excitement. As the countdown to July 1st continues, all eyes are on the Canadiens’ front office and the potential for a blockbuster move that could reshape the franchise’s fortunes. Could Ehlers be the missing piece Montreal has been searching for? The coming weeks promise plenty of intrigue and drama for Habs fans everywhere.

Jan 18, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitch Marner (16) skates with the puck as Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) tries to defend during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

We have an update regarding the possibility of Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens acquiring star forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

It’s becoming a real possibility.

We know Ehlers is very good friends with Patrik Laine, we know the two have joked about the idea of Ehlers signing with the Habs this summer, and we know he’s an intriguing name for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.

However, before dreaming of signing Ehlers or even making him an offer, the Canadiens need to wait and see if he actually becomes a free agent on July 1st.

And in that regard, we have good news!

All signs point to Nikolaj Ehlers testing the free agent market, according to David Pagnotta

That’s exactly what we were hoping for!

I truly believe that star forward Ehlers could be interested in the Montreal Canadiens, and I’m fairly convinced the Canadiens would be seriously interested as well.

“All signs point to Nikolaj Ehlers testing the free agent market.”

– David Pagnotta

If you ask me, I think signing an Ehlers (at $7-$7.5 million per year) could be even more appealing than signing a Mitch Marner at $13-$14 million per year.

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Ehlers, 29 years old, is a very fast 6-foot, 175-pound forward and was selected 9th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2014 draft (1st round).

He tallied 63 points in 69 games this season, including 24 goals, and turned heads at the IIHF World Championship playing for Team Denmark.

As for Mitch Marner, according to the latest report, five teams are reportedly targeting the 100-point star, but in his case, it could cost between $12 and $14 million annually.

A story to keep a close eye on!