JUST IN: Jets Star Nikolaj has resisted contract extension following his agreement to…

Nikolaj Ehlers has played his entire National Hockey League career with the Winnipeg Jets, but that chapter could be coming to an end. With one year left on his deal, and set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025, the speedy Danish forward is reportedly not planning to re-sign with the franchise, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta.

“The 28-year-old Dane is set to earn $6.75 million in actual salary in 2024-25, though his cap hit is $6 million. He owns a 10-team no-trade list and word out of Winnipeg is that while he has not requested a trade, he would welcome a move,” Pagnotta reported on Wednesday.

The hockey insider added: “According to a well-placed source close to the Jets, Ehlers is not interested in signing a contract extension with the club and that is primarily why Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is exploring his options via the trade market. It is unclear if Ehlers would entertain a contract extension – which he would not be eligible to sign until July 1, at the earliest – with a new team as part of a change of scenery but doing so would allow the Jets to maximize a return.”

If Pagnotta’s reporting is true, it would certainly be wise for Cheveldayoff to try and trade Ehlers, rather than have him walk for nothing in free agency. And for the player, a change of scenery might make sense despite a solid 2023-24 campaign.