The long wait for Nikolaj Ehlers’ free agent decision is over. Ehlers decided to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, taking the top player available off the market more than 72 hours since the NHL’s signing period began.

Nikolaj Ehlers agreed to a deal with Carolina Hurricanes. Tracking the signings and trades since free agency opened on July 1.

Ehlers and the Carolina Hurricanes agreed to a six-year, $51 million contract in free agency on Friday, per Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. The 29-year-old hit free agency after his previous seven-year, $42 million contract with the Jets expired following the 2024-25 season.