The Chicago Blackhawks might not have a chance at signing one of the best UFAs this offseason as Elliotte Friedman reported, "The one thing I've heard that (Nikolaj) Ehlers prefers is...to be in a situation where he can win, that's more important to him than a number..."
The Blackhawks are not in a situation to win yet. They first need to see their young players develop at the NHL level as well as make at least one bigger add. Ehlers could have been that big add for them as the only other high level free agents this season are Mitch Marner and possibly veterans like Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund, both of whom won't make the same impact and for the same length of time.
Chicago finished 31st in the standings last season, so there's little reason for Ehlers to think that the team can compete for a Stanley Cup this soon, never mind even make the playoffs. Down the line the Blackhawks surely can, but Ehlers is 29 years old and will sign one more big contract. He has yet to win with the Winnipeg Jets despite great regular seasons, so I think that is also a factor in why he's heading to free agency.
Ehlers scored 24 goals and 63 points in 69 games this season from the second line of the Jets. He is a player any team that has him should play on the top power play. While it appears as though he isn't looking to break the bank, which will open up more competitive teams for him, he's looking for a team that can get it done. This may be one of the teams that has recently gone deep into the playoffs past the second round, or just a team that is a playoff team and has a bright future.
If Chicago had made bigger strides from last season to this one, they might have had a chance to sign Ehlers, but that probably isn't the case. This report may not be entirely true or Ehlers may see the Blackhawks as a team that can rise quickly, so don't completely count them out yet. I believe Marner is still higher on their list and the Blackhawks have the money, but there are plenty of teams who appear to want him too.
