Winger Gustav Nyquist has signed a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators worth $3.185MM per season, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
In a surprise twist to free agency day that not many expected, the Predators continue to pull in talent to fill out their NHL roster. One of the more unheralded players in the league, Nyquist is an above-average middle-six option for most teams. Finishing off a four-year, $22MM contract signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2019, Nyquist finished his year with the Minnesota Wild after being acquired at the deadline.
Hampered by injuries last season, Nyquist made a great return to the NHL, scoring five points in his last three games of the year. Following the Wild into the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Nyquist scored another five points, all assists, in the team’s opening-round matchup with the Dallas Stars.
The signing of Nyquist gives the Predators an incredible amount of flexibility headed into next season. The new General Manager of the team, Barry Trotz, has already indicated that he plans on the team giving much more ice time to some of their younger players. However, if those players don’t play up to expectations this season, Nyquist is an option on the wing that can play on the team’s top three lines.
“Get out of town, Ryan and Matt, you’re too old”!
“Welcome, Luke, Ryan and Gustav, we need your veteran presence”!
Madness.
Tell me you don’t watch hockey without telling me you don’t watch hockey. You realize that they moved on from Johansen and Duchene because both were being paid like superstars while performing like middle six players? I mean I agree that these three contracts are generous but its a weak free agent class and whats the other option? Sit on their hands and do nothing?
I’m too lazy to do the math. But when you add Ryan and Matt’s dead cap buyouts to Rayan and Gustav’s contracts, wouldn’t you just rather have Ryan and Matt?
Try doing some math, JT70. This isn’t a hockey card swap.
I thought Nashville was rebuilding? Then they go out and add O’Reilly and Nyquist? This organization seems to be confused right now and lacking direction, curious to see who else they add as the offseason continues. Will save my final judgement until the offseason is over
Barry is playing NHL ’18 again….