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Insider Reveals Why Nikolaj Ehlers Rejected the Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikolaj Ehlers recently signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, although he ended up refusing a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the process.
Going into free agency, there were two players who were at the top of everyone's lists. Of course, those two players were Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers.
Before free agency even started, Marner was off the board as the Maple Leafs traded him to the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Meanwhile, Ehlers took a few days to make his decision. He wanted to really think it through before making a life-changing move. In the end, he chose the Carolina Hurricanes.
Nikolaj Ehlers politely rejects the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs were very interested in Ehlers, especially since he can play the wing and could be a viable replacement for Mitch Marner.
According to Chris Johnston, the Leafs were never really truly in on Ehlers, as the forward wasn't considering them as one of his top choices.
The reasoning behind that was actually quite simple. Ehlers did not feel as though the Maple Leafs were the right fit for him. Therefore, he had to move on.
Ehlers was supposedly down to two teams last week. The Hurricanes were, of course, one of the teams expected to sign him. However, the Washington Capitals were also in the mix.
Clearly, the forward wanted to go somewhere he could win, but also get top-line minutes. That was not something the Winnipeg Jets were providing him.
Thankfully, for the Leafs, Ehlers will be in the Metropolitan Division, so they don't have to deal with him too much.
Whatever the case may be, we do wish Ehlers the best of luck with his new team and we hope it works out as he intended.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 8 | 374 ANSWERS Insider Reveals Why Nikolaj Ehlers Rejected the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe Nikolaj Ehlers should have signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 186 | 49.7 % |
| NO | 188 | 50.3 % |
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