Canucks: Nikolaj Ehlers' scoring stock rises as possible replacement for Brock Boeser
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The speedy and quick-striking Winnipeg Jets winger proved that point by letting his play do the talking in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs on a second line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti.
The unrestricted free agent also silenced his critics, who had every right to wonder if Ehlers could produce when it mattered most with just 14 career playoff points in 37 games. He responded this spring by striking for five goals in his last five games of the second round.
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While the pain of a 2-1 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday that kept the Jets from forcing Game 7 home ice in the riveting series will persist, it will eventually subside for Ehlers. And when it does, the reality of his value and options will come into greater focus.
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Ehlers, 29, will top a lot of wish lists for a winger would can play at heightened pace, drive the play and finish. The Vancouver Canucks, who had past interest, will be among the suitors because UFA Brock Boeser is going to test the market and there's a sizable top-six roster hole here to fill.
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Ehlers had a career-high 63 points (24-39) in 69 games this season and scored at least 20 goals in eight-straight campaigns. However, he has also been injury prone and that has kept him from being that consistent 30-goal guy. He had 28 goals in just 62 games in 2021-22 and 29 in a full season in 2017-18.
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Of course, his production takes us back to another curious Canucks draft decision in 2014. They selected Jake Virtanen sixth overall and passed on William Nylander (eighth) and Ehlers (ninth). And when Ehlers had 25 goals in his second season, and then 29 in his third, the Canucks took notice.
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Virtanen would struggle before hitting a career-high 18 goals in 2019-20. This was a Province critique when the Canucks committed to the winger: 'They added size and a budding power forward from Calgary (WHL). Aside from shoulder surgery, he's pure power and speed and those 45 goals (2013-14) look pretty good right now on a team starving for offence. Ranked first in physical play among North American prospects. Huge upside. Hopefully.'
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With the Canucks ranked 23rd offensively this season, they not only require bouncebacks from Nils Hoglander and Dakota Joshua, they need another scoring threat. Remove UFAs Boeser and Pius Suter, who had 25 goals apiece, and it's team leader Jake DeBrusk (28) as the lone 20-goal guy. Conor Garland and Kiefer Sherwood had 19 apiece.
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