In a dramatic night for the Winnipeg Jets, the team celebrated clinching its first-ever Central Division title and the top seed in the Western Conference, but the jubilation was overshadowed by injury concerns for forward Nikolaj Ehlers. The 29-year-old winger exited Saturday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks after a freak accident involving an NHL linesman, raising questions about his availability as the playoffs loom.
The incident occurred with just over five minutes remaining in the second period when Ehlers backed into linesman James Tobias at the Blackhawks' blue line. Ehlers' right skate appeared to catch on Tobias’ skate, resulting in an awkward fall that left him in visible pain on the ice. Teammates Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton rushed to assist him, helping him off the ice as he was unable to put any weight on his right leg.
Head coach Scott Arniel described the collision as unfortunate, stating, "They just ran into each other. It was a tough play, especially to lose him in that situation. It wasn’t a blocked shot; it was a freak accident." Ehlers did not return for the third period, and the severity of the injury remains unclear as the team prepares for its next game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Despite the injury scare, the Jets managed to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory in a shootout against Chicago, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's history. With this win, Winnipeg not only clinched the Central Division title but also locked up the top seed for the upcoming playoffs. Their impressive record now stands at 55-21-4, and they are currently leading the race for the Presidents' Trophy with 114 points in 80 games.
Ehlers has been a key contributor for the Jets this season, tallying 24 goals and 39 assists in 69 games. His absence could prove detrimental as the Jets head into the postseason, especially since he plays a pivotal role on the top power play unit. Ehlers had just returned to the lineup after missing two games earlier this month due to a lower-body injury sustained against the Vegas Golden Knights.
After the game, Jets captain Adam Lowry expressed concern for his teammate, calling him a "warrior" for his resilience in returning from previous injuries. "Any time you see a player, friend, or teammate go down, you are concerned. We haven’t heard anything yet, but we’re hoping for the best. It’s just a freak accident," Lowry said.
Defenseman Josh Morrissey, who scored twice in the game, echoed similar sentiments, describing the play as "weird and fluky" and expressing hope for Ehlers' quick recovery. Morrissey’s second goal was crucial, tying the game late in the third period and allowing the Jets to clinch the necessary point for their division title.
The Jets now face a crucial match against the Oilers on Sunday, April 13, 2025, where they will need to assess Ehlers' condition further. The team will be looking to maintain its momentum as they prepare for the playoffs, where they will likely face the second wild-card team, currently held by the St. Louis Blues.
Ehlers' injury comes at a critical time, as he is a pending unrestricted free agent, and his performance in the playoffs could significantly impact his future contract negotiations. With 63 points in 69 games this season, Ehlers has been one of the Jets' most dynamic players, particularly on the power play where he has excelled.
As the Jets gear up for the postseason, they are hopeful that Ehlers' injury will not sideline him for an extended period. The team has shown depth throughout the season, with players stepping up to fill voids left by injuries. However, losing a player of Ehlers' caliber would undoubtedly pose a challenge as they aim for a deep playoff run.
The full extent of Ehlers' injury will be evaluated once the team returns to Winnipeg, but for now, the Jets must focus on their upcoming game against Edmonton while keeping their fingers crossed for their teammate's recovery. With the playoffs on the horizon, every game counts, and the Jets are determined to make the most of their historic season.
