Ehlers emerging as Jets' unsung hero in sophomore season

Between Patrik Laine's breakout effort and the ascension of new superstar Mark Scheifele, the 2016-17 Winnipeg Jets haven't been short on storylines. So, it's no surprise that Nikolaj Ehlers' exceptional sophomore effort has gotten lost in the shuffle.

Though it's been his gifted linemates soaking up the spotlight, Ehlers has quietly amassed 17 goals and 43 points in 50 games. Not only is the latter the second-highest mark among all Jets skaters, it's also 15th in the NHL, putting Ehlers on the same level as Alex Ovechkin and Artemi Panarin.

The 20-year-old nearly veered into sophomore slump territory early in the season, going goalless for 15 games at the tail end of 2016. He managed to keep his production rolling with a steady stream of assists, however, and since the calendar changed to 2017, the great Dane has been unstoppable.

In 11 January games, Ehlers has tallied seven goals and 12 total points. His thrilling tally Monday night against Anaheim was his third straight game with a goal, further extending his career-high sum.

Ehlers posted 15 goals and 38 points as a rookie, and has already surpassed both marks in 22 fewer games this season, emerging as a nightly threat for the rising Jets.

Should he continue on his current pace, he'll finish with 28 goals and 71 points - a plateau reached by only one of his teammates (captain Blake Wheeler) last season.