Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers becomes first Danish player in NHL history to record 500 points

With a goal and two assists in the Winnipeg Jets’ 5-2 win over Utah Hockey Club on Friday night, forward Nikolaj Ehlers became the first Danish player in NHL history to record 500 career points.

Ehlers also became the sixth player in franchise history to hit the 500-point mark, joining Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Ilya Kkovalchuk, Kyle Connor and Bryan Little.

Ehlers hit the 500-point mark late in the third period, assisting on a Cole Perfetti empty net goal. Ehlers now has 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points in 41 games this season, on pace to set career highs in all offensive categories.

Ehlers’ goal midway through the third gave the Jets a 4-2 lead.

Now in his 10th NHL season, Ehlers has 216 goals and 284 assists. His most productive offensive season came in 2016-17, when he finished with 64 points (25 goals and 39 assists). Taken No. 9 overall by Winnipeg in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Ehlers spent two seasons in the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads, putting up back-to-back 100-point campaigns.

The Jets are now 33-14-3 with 69 points, first in the Central Division and Western Conference, and second in the entire league. Kyle Connor leads the team with 60 points via 26 goals and 34 assists, while Scheifele has 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points.

The Jets’ next game is Saturday against the Calgary Flames, followed by a three-game road trip against the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals.