Despite the attention that comes with being a sought-after NHL free agent,Nikolaj Ehlers,29,reportedly desired a change of scenery and a “quieter market.” He found that in Raleigh, North Carolina, inking the deal with the Hurricanes on Thursday, just days after free agency commenced on July 1.

TSN insider Darren Dreger noted that Ehlers prioritized location. “Nikolaj Ehlers basically identified a very specific club area that he wanted to play,” Dreger told First Up with Korolnek & Colaiacovo on Friday. “Ehlers made it clear leaving Winnipeg that he wanted to go to a quieter market. And that’s saying a lot. When you think of Winnipeg,small market in the National hockey League,the fan base is terrific. It’s not like, you know, others would leave the rink and people follow them home… He wants to live, again, a more quiet lifestyle away from hockey and as an unrestricted free agent, you don’t get that many opportunities to call your shot. So I think that’s why it took so long.”

Ehlers, drafted by the Jets in 2014, apparently felt the need for a change, according to Jets head coach scott Arniel.