In what can only be described as an early Christmas gift to hockey fans, Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers is set to make a triumphant return to competitive hockey sooner than anticipated. The Danish dynamo will lace up his skates for Denmark in Olympic qualifying, showing his unwavering commitment to his home country as they face off against Great Britain, Japan, and Norway in a bid to secure their spot in the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel, in a candid interview with the Winnipeg Sun, confirmed Ehlers’ participation in the Group F qualifying tournament. “He had a tough go the past couple of years at training camp,” Arniel admitted. “The last time this happened, he had a great start to the season. So knock on wood that this can be a good jumpstart for him.”
The hockey world was abuzz with rumors about Ehlers potentially being on the trading block for the Jets, but TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger put those speculations to rest by reporting that the dynamic forward is slated to return for a milestone 10th season with the team. Ehlers, who is known for his offensive prowess, notched an impressive 25 goals and 61 points in 82 games last season, marking the seventh time in the past eight seasons that he has surpassed the 20-goal mark. Additionally, he chipped in with two assists in five playoff games, showcasing his clutch performances when it mattered most.
“Playing in these qualifiers, I know it’s going to be a big boost in getting him started, getting off and running and getting off to a good start in October,” Arniel emphasized, highlighting the importance of Ehlers’ return to competitive action.
At the age of 28, Ehlers is signed through the upcoming season with a cap hit of $6 million, as he inches closer to potentially testing the waters of unrestricted free agency next summer. With his eyes set on leading Denmark to another historic Olympic appearance, Ehlers is poised to showcase his skills on the international stage once again.
Denmark, which made its Olympic hockey debut at Beijing 2022, surprised many by advancing to the quarter-finals in their maiden appearance. With Ehlers at the helm, the Danish squad will be looking to build on their previous success and make a statement in the Olympic qualifying tournament.
As the countdown to the qualifying tournament begins, Ehlers stands ready to prove his mettle and inspire his teammates to achieve greatness on the ice. With his sights set on Olympic glory, Ehlers is primed to take his game to new heights and write another chapter in his storied hockey career.