Speaking for the first time since inking the deal, Ehlers showed nothing but love for his former home.
“Like I told them, they didn’t do anything wrong,” he told the media on Saturday via Zoom. “I was there for 10 years, I loved it there. I love the organization, the people in it, the guys. It became family.”
The Jets selected Ehlers ninth overall in the 2014 draft. Over his time with the organization, he became one of the more underrated forwards in the league.
An eight-time 20 goal scorer, Ehlers, 29, would constantly go under the radar in large part due to his usage. Over his career, he has averaged 16:26 of ice time a night, and failed to eclipse 16 minutes per game over the last three seasons.
However, Ehlers still managed to record point totals of 63, 61 and 38 (in 45 games).
“For me, it was more about trying something new and challenging myself, getting out and see different things, different culture,” the forward said. “That’s what I wanted to do. Obviously, like I said, love playing in Winnipeg, will never forget my time but it was time for me personally to get out and experience something different and challenge myself on and off the ice.”
Ehlers heads to Carolina as the presumed answer for what the organization has been missing – a star forward that pushes the team over the hump in the post-season. The Hurricanes have made the playoffs every season since 2019, winning at least one round every season and a total of 10 over the seven years.
On the other hand, Winnipeg managed to win only four series during Ehlers’ tenure.
So while the organizational playoff success and the expected role increase does present Ehlers with the new challenge he sought out, Winnipeg will always be home.
“Very emotional,” Ehlers replied when asked about his decision to leave. “I’m very excited to join the Canes organization. At the same time, I’m also sad to be leaving an organization that helped me achieve my dream of being an NHL player.
“I’ll always hold the city of Winnipeg very close to my heart.”
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