Nikolaj Ehlers was finally crowned a Stanley Cup champion. Yet amid celebrations, his thoughts went back to his years with the Winnipeg Jets.

Celebrating a slightly bittersweet triumph, the Carolina Hurricanes winger admitted that not winning the cup with the Jets evoked mixed emotions.

“I love being in Winnipeg. This was the dream there. I'm obviously sad I wasn't able to do that with the guys in Winnipeg and the city of Winnipeg. They hold a special place in my heart,” Ehlers said.

The Jets selected Ehlers as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. After making his debut in the 2015-16 season, he quickly became one of the team’s most exciting players.

Ehlers' speed, skill, and scoring ability made him a fan favorite during his 10-year stay in Winnipeg. He played 674 regular-season games and recorded 520 points, becoming one of the most productive players in franchise history.

Shortly after hoisting the Stanley Cup as a Cane, an emotional Ehlers thanked his former team.

He stated, “I've said that to their family, the whole organization. It gave me a shot at playing in the NHL, and you know I couldn't be more thankful. So it was a hard decision this summer. But I loved my ten years in Winnipeg, and it was a special time.”

Despite building several strong teams, Winnipeg could not win a championship. The squad's best playoff run came in 2018, when it reached the Western Conference Final.

Coincidentally, Ehlers and his men lost to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Danish winger's 16 playoff points weren't enough to push Winnipeg all the way.

Yet despite his departure last year, he remains loved in the city.

This was no more apparent than during his first visit to Winnipeg as a Cane this season. Despite switching the Jets' blue and white for Carolina's white and red, Ehlers was showered with applause at the Canada Life Center, per the Illegal Curve.

As for his free-agent move to Carolina, the Dynamic Dane's very first season has been nothing short of a dream.

Ehlers a Perfect Fit in Carolina’s Championship Run

After years of disappointment, Nikolaj Ehlers signed a six-year contract with Carolina last offseason. The Dane joined a team known for its speed, aggression, and depth, which suited his game.

Ehlers had a strong debut season, recording 71 points, including 26 goals, in 82 regular-season games.

He continued that form in the playoffs, finishing with 18 points in 18 games. The tally included eight goals during Carolina's second title triumph.

His final contribution came in Game 6 against the Vegas Golden Knights. Ehlers scored an unassisted empty-net goal in the third period, securing a 3-0 victory and the Stanley Cup. 

For the 30-year-old, the title ended years of playoff disappointment. Although he never won with the Winnipeg Jets, one of the franchise’s most beloved players achieved his dream while remaining grateful to his former home.

How will Winnipeg fans remember Ehlers after his emotional Stanley Cup triumph elsewhere?

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul