Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers was injured after colliding with linesperson James Tobias during Saturday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ehlers was skating backwards in the neutral zone, looking for a pass and waiting for the puck to enter the attacking zone. With focus on the opposite side of the ice, Ehlers didn’t realize he was headed right for the official, who was properly positioned at the blue line, waiting for the zone entry.
The Winnipeg winger moved right into Tobias, their skates getting caught up and sending Ehlers sprawling to the ice.
Ehlers had to be helped off the ice; he did not return to the game. Tobias was not injured on the play.
“They just ran into each other,” said Jets coach Scott Arniel. “It was a tough play, especially to lose him in that situation. It wasn’t a blocked shot or doing something — just a freak accident.”
Official didn’t hurt him. The official was in the right spot, he ran into the official unfortunately
— Chris Dingman (@dingdish) April 13, 2025
There’s no word on the severity of the injury to Ehlers. Winnipeg has one game remaining in the regular season: Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks.
“We haven’t heard anything yet, but we’re hoping for the best,” said Winnipeg’s Adam Lowry, as reported in The Athletic. “Unfortunate collision, obviously. Just a freak accident.”
