Nikolaj Ehlers Reveals the Real Reason He Refused to Extend With the Winnipeg Jets
Photo credit: NBC Sports
Nikolaj Ehlers is now a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, and in his first interview, he's revealed the reason why he wouldn't extend with the Winnipeg Jets.
The Winnipeg Jets came into this summer knowing that they would lose their top free agent in Nikolaj Ehlers, and after a few days of waiting, he confirmed what most already knew, that he would become a Carolina Hurricane.
This ends a solid run for him in Winnipeg, and while he became a fan favourite for many during this time, most fans understood exactly why he wanted to leave and try something new.
In his first interview since joining Carolina, he revealed that is exactly why he departed the only NHL team he has ever known, attributing the decision to wanting something new and fresh.
"My leaving Winnipeg was inevitable. I told Jets management, they didn't do anything wrong. For me, it was more about trying something new and challenging myself, getting out to see different things and that is what I wanted to do. It was time for me to get out and experience something different and challenge myself on and off the ice."
While some divorces like this in sports can become incredibly messy, Ehlers had nothing but good things to say about his time in Winnipeg, noting that those there became family and it was a hard decision for him to leave.
Ultimately though, in Carolina, there's a good chance that he is joining a genuine Stanley Cup threat, and while the Jets were the No. 1 seed in the West last season, Ehlers clearly wanted to start fresh, and he's doing so now with the goal of becoming a Stanley Cup Champion with the Hurricanes.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 5 | 372 ANSWERS Nikolaj Ehlers Reveals the Real Reason He Refused to Extend With the Winnipeg Jets Did Ehlers make the right move by departing Winnipeg? | ||
| Yes | 198 | 53.2 % |
| No | 174 | 46.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
