Player Discussion: Ehlers

[Jetabre]

Am sad he didn't get to play out the whole season, felt like it was his time to shine. Guess he'll just have to do it in the playoffs or something..

 

[DRW204]

 

[RRenegade]

Ehlers is such an enigma! I love what he can do skating with the puck, gaining zone entries & controlling play in the offensive zone but I have not seen progress in his weaknesses over the years.

-He tries a largely ineffective slap-shot may too much of the time.
-He still can't one-time a puck effectively.
-Mind-bottlingly ineffective on breakaways.

Now, I can't understand why he and Bowness can't find a spot for him on PP1. Sheifele is the most effective from the LW for one-timers, Dubois net front/bumper, KFC on RW for one-timers. That leaves point/floater with Morrissey. IMO, a good PP should have players switching spots and I don't see the Jets doing much of that other than at the blue line unfortunately

 

[Nickel eye Heel hers]

Ehlers is such an enigma! I love what he can do skating with the puck, gaining zone entries & controlling play in the offensive zone but I have not seen progress in his weaknesses over the years.

-He tries a largely ineffective slap-shot may too much of the time.
-He still can't one-time a puck effectively.
-Mind-bottlingly ineffective on breakaways.

Now, I can't understand why he and Bowness can't find a spot for him on PP1. Sheifele is the most effective from the LW for one-timers, Dubois net front/bumper, KFC on RW for one-timers. That leaves point/floater with Morrissey. IMO, a good PP should have players switching spots and I don't see the Jets doing much of that other than at the blue line unfortunately

I agree he really does struggle on breakaways. Bizarre.
He also has the best entry % in the offensive zone than any other jet by a good margin. You would think that would be important on the pp.
I also find it odd most of the fans that criticize Ehlers weakness are completely blind or silent to the other players in the top 6 who have never improved their game in defense.

 

[KingBogo]

I agree he really does struggle on breakaways. Bizarre.
He also has the best entry % in the offensive zone than any other jet by a good margin. You would think that would be important on the pp.
I also find it odd most of the fans that criticize Ehlers weakness are completely blind or silent to the other players in the top 6 who have never improved their game in defense.

Over the last couple seasons Ehlers has far and away been the least criticized Jet, and even when people do it is very gentle with qualifications about how much they like him as a player.

 

[Jet]

Over the last couple seasons Ehlers has far and away been the least criticized Jet, and even when people do it is very gentle with qualifications about how much they like him as a player.

Yeah he's definitely the golden child.

 

[BoneDocUK]

Nik gets some lines in Murat's latest...

The PP has looked static for much of the season. Maybe we'll see come changes against a high-octane NJD?

The case for Ehlers on the first unit​

Winnipeg scored once on seven power play opportunities against Columbus and didn’t score on any of their three five-on-three attempts. (Connor’s five-on-four goal was scored just as a two-man advantage ended.)

Instead of taking over the game with the man advantage, Winnipeg exercised its tired old trope of losing the opening faceoff, struggling to establish control in the offensive zone and failing to open up the penalty kill with assertive movement. The Jets’ second unit, with Nikolaj Ehlers leading the zone entry charge, generated the same number of shot attempts as the first unit did — in less than half the ice time

[...]

If Winnipeg is going to continue to be one of the league’s worst power play faceoff teams, then it had better be great at gaining the zone after losing the initial draw. That’s Ehlers’ forte, even on a team that boasts Scheifele, Connor, Dubois and other speedsters.

Instead, Ehlers played 2:11 with the man advantage, roughly one-third the time awarded to the top unit. Ehlers is third on the team in terms of points per minute of power play time (trailing Connor and team leader Morrissey) and I think there’s a case for him to take minutes from Wheeler or Dubois — or simply for the second unit to get more of the workload.

“We’ve got to change some personnel up,” Bowness told reporters in Columbus after Thursday’s game. Asked why Ehlers was 11th in ice time among Jets skaters on Thursday, Bowness referenced special teams.

“He’s not on the first (power play) unit. They were out there a lot and he doesn’t kill penalties. It’s got nothing to do with injuries. We were trying to get him out there, but there were just too many penalties to get a regular flow of our lines.”

Jets observations: Ehlers' power play usage, Dubois' shooting, more

The Jets remain in a good position ahead of the NHL trade deadline but do have some trends they can address in-house.

theathletic.com

 

[ps241]

Yeah he's definitely the golden child.

On our board Nik is defended allot but I look at it as a bit of a market correction (push back) for his usage. If he was getting prime time usage there would be much less squawk IMO. In my public dealings with none HFBoards Jets fans, Connor is much more adored. The average fan on the street I meet universally loves KFC and seem to be more mixed on Ehlers. Either way I like them both allot warts and all.

 

[Jet]

On our board Nik is defended allot but I look at it as a bit of a market correction (push back) for his usage. If he was getting prime time usage there would be much less squawk IMO. In my public dealings with none HFBoards Jets fans, Connor is much more adored. The average fan on the street I meet universally loves KFC and seem to be more mixed on Ehlers. Either way I like them both allot warts and all.

I feel if Nik was used the way many want him to be he would get exposed for what he really is - a very good but not excellent producer.

There's nothing wrong with that - I'm very happy with Ehlers and am glad he's a Jet but he's our 4th best forward.

It's funny because some of our historically most heralded players here are ones where fans thing they're somehow getting screwed by the team.

Usually when they move on we end up seeing what they really are and it generally aligns with how the team utilized them.

Ehlers in my mind has been underwhelming since his return but I cut him some slack because of how serious his injury was and how little time he has played with these systems and coaching staff.

Under the circumstances I don't mind his usage other than the fact he should be on pp1 carrying the mail for zone entries. Looks as if our pps are going to get a shakeup and I'm sure that he'll end up there.

 

[ps241]

I feel if Nik was used the way many want him to be he would get exposed for what he really is - a very good but not excellent producer.

There's nothing wrong with that - I'm very happy with Ehlers and am glad he's a Jet but he's our 4th best forward.

It's funny because some of our historically most heralded players here are ones where fans thing they're somehow getting screwed by the team.

Usually when they move on we end up seeing what they really are and it generally aligns with how the team utilized them.

Ehlers in my mind has been underwhelming since his return but I cut him some slack because of how serious his injury was and how little time he has played with these systems and coaching staff.

Under the circumstances I don't mind his usage other than the fact he should be on pp1 carrying the mail for zone entries. Looks as if our pps are going to get a shakeup and I'm sure that he'll end up there.

As long as Nik gets minutes on the 1st PP unit and he’s in our top 6 I don’t really care how he is deployed.

I think the debates on player usage can be broken into three catagories.

First there is the traditional rookies getting f***ed by the vets debate which is alive and well on 32 team boards on this site. I 100% agree that the most favorite pet projects that got screwed (Petan, Niku, etc) generally didn’t prove they were being held back after they were traded or let go. In fairness the Vets that took their place also didn’t belong there either so there’s that

The next catagory would be the friendly debates of how to best structure the lines with proven roster level talent. This back and forth will be forever on here and it’s good clean fun amongst fans in my opinion.

Last catagory was the mind numbing invasion of non Jets fans to our board to endlessly attack any Jets player who stood in the way of Laine’s accession to his rightful place as greatest player in the history of the NHL. That terrorist group almost destroyed our board (for me at least).

The Nik chit chat is interesting to me but not a hill I am ever going to die on either.

 

[johnnyonthspot]

This is the third coach that does not use Ehler's the way fans and media think he should be used. What is the driving force behind this? Lack of effort on defence? Connor, Sheif and Wheeler are all equally if not just as suspect at playing defence.
Durability? He does seem injury prone and maybe they feel his minutes must be managed for that reason?
Toughness/grit? I would say Wheeler is the toughest of the top six but that is not what you need out of Ehlers who does stick up for himself.

If he is a true top six forward but does not fit the Jets mold. He should be dealt for someone who does otherwise his skill and talent is being wasted while being on a team friendly contract.

 

[Channelcat]

Keeping him healthy is a huge part of it. In my opinion.

 

[Jet]

I don't think Ehlers has been good at all since his return.

I'm willing to cut him slack with his injury and being behind the rest of the team in terms of systems integration but right now he's not doing much to make a case for more ice time.

He's also becoming a bit of a band aid.

 

[ERYX]

I agree with @Jet I don't think Ehlers' current usage is indicative of a third coach not using him "properly" (as assessed by HFJets posters) because Ehlers simply hasn't been doing much since his return and possibly has even messed up the chemistry and effort Jets had while he was gone. I'm prepared to give him slack on this given his injury and he's therefore in early season rather than midseason form. But I think Bowness is using him properly given these issues. We'll see if he gets his mojo back or whether he's lost a step due to the injury.

 

[hn777]

Durability/Endurance

 

[MardyBum]

He has 14 5v5 points in 20 games, which puts him 8th on the Jets, only behind the rest of the top 6, Mo and Pionk who have all played more than double the games.

He scores goals at the 6th best rate on the Jets(5th if you take out Harkins).

He has double(DOUBLE) the amount of primary assists/60 than the next closest Jet(Wheeler).

He's by far the Jets most productive 5v5 player per minute. He takes the most shots per 60. He creates the most rebounds per 60 minutes with those shots. He draws the second most penalties on the Jets only behind PLD(who takes way more penalties). Maybe Bones should use his vast hockey experience to make more use of him.

The entire team is playing pond hockey and they have 6 good forwards who can score and a bunch of fourth liners. Unless he's still dealing with pain from the hernia(or an injury), he should never be outside the top 4 Jets in 5v5 ice time.

 

[BoneDocUK]

So, what @MardyBum said, plus this:

It's a tricky injury, and one where the outcomes will show some variability between return to function and return to peak performance. I suspect that we're seeing Ehlers now somewhere in the middle, and exacerbation / slower recovery is possible. It impacts 4-way mobility, acceleration, offensive and defensive stickwork and shooting.

Remember the barely-mobile Wheeler of "If I'm playing, I'm at 100%?" It's frustrating for player and team and coaching staff I'm sure, but we see it in plenty of athletes across leagues and sports.

I think it's way too early to be trading away one of the Jets' best, most productive and most entertaining players who rarely takes a shift off and at his best can cause exactly the kind of useful chaos that this team is going to need in the POs.

I really don't see this as a "coaches hate Ehlers" situation.

 

[DRW204]

Love ehlers and been a major proponent of him for years. But no question he's a Band-Aid and unreliable with health. So that may play into it. I do think theres some north American bias since he doesn't often play a hard game. And then consider he was dangled to be traded in previous years too

 

[AlaskaJet]

So, what @MardyBum said, plus this:

It's a tricky injury, and one where the outcomes will show some variability between return to function and return to peak performance. I suspect that we're seeing Ehlers now somewhere in the middle, and exacerbation / slower recovery is possible. It impacts 4-way mobility, acceleration, offensive and defensive stickwork and shooting.

Remember the Wheeler of "If I'm playing I'm at 100%?" It's frustrating for player and team and coaching staff I'm sure, but we see it in plenty of athletes across leagues and sports.

I think it's way too early to be trading away one of the Jets' best, most productive and most entertaining players who rarely takes a shift off and at his best can cause exactly the kind of useful chaos that this team is going to need in the POs.

I really don't see this as a "coaches hate Ehlers" situation.

Good points and I share your clinical take on Ehlers. I have high hopes for him returning to top form.
His defensive play is actually better than Connor, Wheeler and (in most third periods) Scheiffle.

 

[Huffer]

He has 14 5v5 points in 20 games, which puts him 8th on the Jets, only behind the rest of the top 6, Mo and Pionk who have all played more than double the games.

He scores goals at the 6th best rate on the Jets(5th if you take out Harkins).

He has double(DOUBLE) the amount of primary assists/60 than the next closest Jet(Wheeler).

He's by far the Jets most productive 5v5 player per minute. He takes the most shots per 60. He creates the most rebounds per 60 minutes with those shots. He draws the second most penalties on the Jets only behind PLD(who takes way more penalties). Maybe Bones should use his vast hockey experience to make more use of him.

The entire team is playing pond hockey and they have 6 good forwards who can score and a bunch of fourth liners. Unless he's still dealing with pain from the hernia(or an injury), he should never be outside the top 4 Jets in 5v5 ice time.

This. The Ehlers criticism (more than others) is insane.

 

[ps241]

I have always really liked Nik but we are not getting his best version right now. He’s a big piece for us. My only concern is the injuries are staring to mount up. Everything else I am more than fine with and it will work itself out.

By the way so far this thread is perfect. I think it’s realistic and balanced and pretty civil.

 

[Jet]

Is impossible to criticize Ehlers on this board because anything other than a glowing endorsement is seen as sacrelige.

I'm nowhere near wanting to trade him but anyone who thinks his play has been up to his standards since his return is kidding themselves.

Again, I give him full marks as I'm sure he's not 100% healed yet, it's evident in his lack of top end speed.

I still don't think we see the old nik until next year. I hope his head is ok

 

[surixon]

The Ehlers situation is interesting. I think Nik is clearlly a volume shooter that likes to shoot from everywhere and its clear that works for him. I am curious if the disconnect is that it doesn't work as much for what the team wants to do offensively in the ozone. If we look at our 5 on 5 heat map for the team it is clear to me that they are trying to emphasize slot shots:

If you look at Fly's individual shot map you will see that he from everywhere and doesn't get to the slot as much:

Contrast this with the rest of the top 6 and I wonder if his game to some extent disrupts what the team is trying to do in the ozone:

So to me it is quite clear that 5 of our top 6 players our routinely getting to the slot area and shooting from there. I wonder if this is the key issue here that Ehlers is doing his own thing in the ozone whereas the rest are generally working at opening up specific shots.

Throw in coming back from the injury and I think this explains a lot.

 

[RRenegade]

Ehlers is such an enigma! I love what he can do skating with the puck, gaining zone entries & controlling play in the offensive zone but I have not seen progress in his weaknesses over the years.

-He tries a largely ineffective slap-shot may too much of the time.
-He still can't one-time a puck effectively.
-Mind-bottlingly ineffective on breakaways.

Now, I can't understand why he and Bowness can't find a spot for him on PP1. Sheifele is the most effective from the LW for one-timers, Dubois net front/bumper, KFC on RW for one-timers. That leaves point/floater with Morrissey. IMO, a good PP should have players switching spots and I don't see the Jets doing much of that other than at the blue line unfortunately

I had posted this recently in the Ehlers thread.
While Ehlers can produce points, I don't think he is doing it in a way coaches like.
Kind of like when Evander Kane would fly down the wing and let a low percentage shot fly, miss the net and the other team would come back the other way immediately.
That said, I also don't think he is very good defensively although not worse than KFC.

Fly needs to get with Bowness' program so he and the team will be rewarded.
Less East-West play, more North-South, no more blind passes!
Have more patience with the puck and use his teammates better.

 

[cbcwpg]

If one coach used Ehlers incorrectly ( according to the masses ), you could point to the coach as being in the wrong. When two coaches use Ehlers incorrectly ( according to the masses ), you could stop to think, maybe there is something there. But when three coaches use Ehlers incorrectly ( according to the masses ), I would say there is something there. It could be simply a case of Ehlers tendencies as a player just doesn't mesh with what NHL coaches want from their players.