Maple Leaf should see Nikolaj Ehlers as a replacement for Marner – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leaf
The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently focused on trying to beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers as they try to win a second round and push for their first Stanley Cup since 1967. They performed well in the first round, defeating the Ottawa Senators in six games and defeating their purpose in six games and hitting their own eyes in all six games. But once the season is completed and the focus is shifted to the 2025-26 season, they must try to re-sign two star players immediately.
Both Mitchell Marner and John Tavares are in unrestricted free agents and have no new contracts next season. If they enter the open market, many teams around the NHL will be interested in bringing them in, although both of them may look at a large amount of compensation from their current contracts. As of now, neither player has stated that they want to leave Maple Leaf, but both of them may be listed on July 1. If Marner ends up testing free agents, there is another unanswered free agent, and Maple Leaf should target his replacement.
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Nikolaj Ehlers, the striker who now plays with the Winnipeg Jets, is widely regarded as one of the most coveted free agents to enter the offseason. He is in his final season with the Jets’ seven-year contract, which earns $6 million and he has a massive pay raise as well. So far, his belief is that he will test the open market to see if he can maximize his value with another team, and Maple Leaf should be all over him.
Entering the offseason, Maple Leaf has just over $26.8 million in blocking space. While I hope they try to resign Marner and Tavares with the money, if the two are out of the price range, they will have to consider alternatives. Ehlers is considered an elite offensive producer who has performed well in the defensive zone, and while he doesn't bring everything Marner brings on both ends of the ice, he might be cheaper and can blend in with their current plans. The Maple Leafs may also be willing to pay Ehlers what he wants to convince him to join them, but even then they should have the money to continue spending in free agency.
What will Ehlers' next contract look like?
Ehlers, 29, may be looking for a large number of long-term contracts. If I had to guess, I would expect the seven-year contract Elles received annually to be worth about $8.25 million. This season, he scored 24 goals and added 39 assists in 69 games to score 63 points. Throughout his career, he scored 225 goals in 674 games and added 295 assists to score 520 points and an average of 0.77 points.
If he signs with maple leaves, they will have only $18 million left to fill the roster, re-sign Tavarez and other pending free agents and work to fill their own depth. If they see the right goal available, they will have the money to trade, but time will tell what will happen. Ehlers are a great addition for any team, but I think Maple Leaf wants to keep Marner at a reasonable price. His future should be clearer after the playoffs, but until then, they focused on trying to win the championship.
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