NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman Provides Update on Nikolaj Ehlers' Free Agency Plans

The Mitch Marner sweepstakes will likely dominate NHL free agency news, but teams that are refusing to or can't sign the Maple Leafs star are already probably looking elsewhere. One huge fall-back candidate? Winnipeg Jets right winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

During the latest episode of Sportsnet's "32 Thoughts" podcast, Elliotte Friedman stated that a couple of teams may completely avoid Marner and focus on Ehlers.

The 29-year-old completed the final season on a seven-year, $42 million pact, notching 63 points over 69 regular-season games and seven more in eight playoff contests.

Ehlers will probably be among the most coveted forwards available this off-season, with Daily Faceoff seeing a six-year, $48.6 million contract awarded to him.

Daily Faceoff broke news as well that Winnipeg nearly traded Ehlers to Carolina at the trade deadline for a package featuring Martin Necas.

The trade is reported to have collapsed over issues surrounding whether or not Necas was going to sign a long-term contract in Winnipeg.

While there are suggestions the Jets have been open to trading Ehlers, the door on his future with the team isn't entirely closed.

Ehlers' camp, per Friedman, hasn't ruled out going back to Winnipeg, but they'd like to circle around on July 1 and see what else is out there.

No matter what, Ehlers is a top-shelf Plan B in a free agent class headed by Marner.