The Winnipeg Jets are at risk of losing Nikolaj Ehlers.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Ehlers has told the Jets he's going to be testing free agency when it opens on July 1.
It'll be Ehlers' first chance in his career at unrestricted free agency. AFP Analytics projects him to be worth a six-year deal for $8.1 million per year ($48.6 million in total value).
The Danish left winger was the ninth overall pick by the Jets in 2014.
He has played 10 full NHL seasons for Winnipeg since then.
In 674 Jets games, Ehlers has 225 goals and 295 assists (520 points).
But now, he's heading for the open market.
MORE: Mammoth trade for JJ Peterka, immediately give him big extension
Earlier in the offseason, there was some suggestion that the Jets could replace Ehlers with Buffalo's JJ Peterka. But Peterka was traded on Wednesday night to the Utah Mammoth, removing one option.
The Jets still seem to be in play to re-sign Ehlers, but it won't be happening before the opening of free agency. And that definitely creates some uncertainty, because the Jets haven't known a lineup with Ehlers for a long time.
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