Nikolaj Ehlers’ Unique Dynamic Aids Hurricanes Secondary Scoring

There has been a lot to love about the Carolina Hurricanes’ offensive explosion to start this season. Sebastian Aho has been a genuine superstar, and the emergence of Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake as secondary scorers has stolen the Hurricanes’ narrative. However, one name has flown under the radar as he quietly continues to tick along, driving production in an important role: Nikolaj Ehlers. Carolina’s “Fly” has continued to build upon an offensive outburst in the Stanley Cup Final.

In 20 games, Ehlers has five goals and 12 assists for 17 points. He’s playing more as a facilitator production-wise, but that doesn’t mean his contributions are insignificant. This is a player whose skill set allows the Hurricanes to be more dangerous in all situations. What makes this Hurricanes team so dangerous is that Ehlers sits fifth on the team in point production, and he’s on a 71.4-point pace. You can’t have .4 of a point, so let’s call it a 71-point pace. For a secondary threat, that’s outstanding.

Ehlers’ Super Start

Almost 25% of the way through the season, Ehlers has an expected goals-for per 60 (xGF/60) of 4.78 in all situations, according to Natural Stat Trick. That’s still the fifth-best among Carolina forwards. He’s finding great success with his linemates to generate chances, and it’s creating an issue for teams hoping to contain the Hurricanes’ intimidating depth. Having that level of production hidden down the lineup creates matchup nightmares for opponents.

However, hockey games are not won by expected goals. If they cannot convert when Ehlers is on the ice, the chances mean very little. His goals for per 60 (GF/60) in all situations is 4.97. That’s ninth among all players who have played for Carolina, which is utterly ridiculous, but it’s skewed by smaller sample sizes on the blue line. It remains the fifth-best among forwards. The chances the Hurricanes create through Ehlers and his linemates finding the back of the net have helped elevate the team’s overall performance.

Speedy Utility

Ehlers is vastly different from what the Hurricanes have around him because he can move. According to NHL Edge, he is in the 90th percentile for top skating speed, the 94th percentile for bursts over 22 mph, the 93rd percentile for bursts between 20-22 mph, and the 89th percentile for bursts 18-20 mph. He gets up to speed so comfortably, creating a different threat than the penetrating forecheck the Hurricanes have become so renowned for.

Ehlers’ top recorded speed this season is 22.95 mph, which is marginally down from the 23.11 mph he hit last season. His ability to reach top gear remains one of the most dangerous attributes the Hurricanes have on the roster because it creates a transition threat. Usually, the Hurricanes want to set up and play for rebound chances or deflections. They want the hard-working goals. Ehlers threatens to punish teams in transition if the Hurricanes’ outstanding defensive setup creates a rush.

He also remains the Hurricanes’ best answer to a controlled power-play entry. Ideally, the Hurricanes win the draw and set up, where their talent becomes a difference maker. If the puck leaves the zone, Ehlers’ speed lets the Hurricanes bypass the blue line blockade and get another chance to set up. His ability to beat people in a race lets him glide into the offensive zone fairly often. Ehlers has been a welcome addition in this regard, replacing Martin Necas, who did it before he was traded back in January 2025.

Ehlers had another solid performance in Finland, with a few friends and family making the trip from Denmark. Although Sebastian Aho took the honors, Ehlers’ multi-point game was another under-the-radar performance where he had a massive influence. That’s what Ehlers has become for Carolina. He might be the best example of secondary scoring in Hurricanes history because, while he can take over a game, he often performs well in the shadows of his teammates’ excellence. That makes him the most underappreciated part of a truly terrifying machine in Carolina.