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Major development in Nikolaj Ehlers signing with the Blackhawks to play alongside Connor Bedard was confirmed

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Sam Walker
June 4, 2025 (12:26)

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A recent press release by The Athletic has revealed that the Chicago Blackhawks are deemed a landing spot for 29-year old Nikolaj Ehlers, who is set to be one of the biggest NHL free agents this summer this summer behind Mitch Marner.

According to The Athletic, the Blackhawks are looking to sign Ehlers to play on their top unit alongside Connor Bedard.

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Top-unit job alongside Connor Bedard on offer to this summer's free agents. Meanwhile, Ehlers is likely thinking long-term for his next contract - term that would buy Chicago time to continue its build. If the 29-year-old Ehlers is willing to move from the Cup-contending Jets to the 31st-place Blackhawks - and wait - then Chicago should be able to put together a compelling package of ice time, opportunity and money. For Chicago, the signing would be a clear indication to its market that the Blackhawks are on their way back - and motivation for fans to return the United Center to 100 percent capacity. Ehlers' speed brings fans to their feet and he's an easy sell in the community.

A road block for Ehlers' potential signing in Chicago

A tough outlook for the Blackhawks' attempt to sign Ehlers in Chicago is their lack of playoff action throughout the past few seasons. Ehlers, who is set to be a free agent for the first time in nearly a decade, may turn his eyes towarda a contender.

"It's just hard to think he'd wait 10 years to earn UFA status and sign with a team so far from immediate contention."

Buckle up Blackhawks fans, the next few weeks heading into July 1st free agency will surely be interesting!

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

The Chicago Blackhawks may be making a mistake buying out a $22M forward

Vancouver Canucks have announced the hiring of a former Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach

One of the most sought after NHL coaches on the market officially signs with Western Conference team

POLL
JUIN 4 \| 274 ANSWERS Major development in Nikolaj Ehlers signing with the Blackhawks to play alongside Connor Bedard was confirmed Do you think the Blackhawks should spend upwards of $10M on this forward in free agency?
Yes	166	60.6 %
No	108	39.4 %
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Major development in Nikolaj Ehlers signing with the Blackhawks to play alongside Connor Bedard was confirmed

A recent press release by The Athletic has revealed that the Chicago Blackhawks are deemed a landing spot for 29-year old Nikolaj Ehlers, who is set to be one of the biggest NHL free agents this summer this summer behind Mitch Marner.

A road block for Ehlers' potential signing in Chicago

Do you think the Blackhawks should spend upwards of $10M on this forward in free agency?