Report: Capitals Remain In On Ehlers, Hoping To Win Him Over With Pitch
The Capitals are looking to add another foward to the mix, and all eyes are Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency.
As the Washington Capitals look to add more forward depth, Nikolaj Ehlers remains on D.C.’s radar.
The Capitals are among the teams in the mix for Ehlers services, though he’s not expected to make a decision on Tuesday, which marked the start of NHL Free Agency.
Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the front office is planning on meeting with Ehlers and trying to “win” him over.
“The top remaining player is Nikolaj Ehlers. He’s indicated he’s prepared to take a few days to make an informed decision,” Friedman wrote. “Carolina’s been my pick, since it's tried to trade for him at least twice before. There will be many pursuers, but I’ve heard Washington wants to make its pitch, hoping to ‘win’ the meeting like prime Don Draper.”
Washington is looking to add another forward to bring some more scoring depth and stability, specifically to the middle-6. The Capitals are flexible when it comes to position, targeting either a wing or center, though Ehlers signing would indicate Connor McMichael would start the year as the third line center while the Dane fills in on the second line left wing.
Ehlers, 29, put up 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points in 69 games with the Winnipeg Jets last season. He has eight 20-goal seasons under his belt and is a smart player who can provide a needed spark at even strength and on the power play.