Report: Jets' Ehlers will test free agency

Nikolaj Ehlers informed the Winnipeg Jets he'll test free agency come July 1, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

While Ehlers hasn't ruled out possibly returning to the Jets, he won't consider re-signing with the team before the market opens, Friedman adds.

The 29-year-old will be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer following an impressive season in which he notched 63 points in 69 games despite averaging 15:48 per contest.

Ehlers could likely command a significant raise from the $6-million cap hit he's earned over the past seven seasons if he chooses a new team. The Jets have approximately $24.4 million in cap space this offseason, according to PuckPedia, but a significant portion of that is likely to be allocated toward restricted free agents Gabriel Vilardi and Dylan Samberg.

Star winger Kyle Connor is also eligible for an extension as of July 1.

The Jets drafted Ehlers ninth overall in 2014. He's registered 520 points in 674 career games.