RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Nikolaj Ehlers knows what awaits.

The forward was a sought-after free agent who chose to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, a team that has made seven straight postseason trips while becoming a perennial Eastern Conference contender for the Stanley Cup. And that brings a spotlight on his transition with a team still trying to punch its way through to the Cup final for the first time since 2006.

“The expectations are as high as I know they should be,” Ehlers said.

The 29-year-old Ehlers spent 10 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, posting at least 20 goals in eight seasons and playing at a roughly point-per-game pace last year (63 points in 69 games). He agreed to a six-year deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million to join a Carolina roster that returns mainstay

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