Nashville Predators Trade Gustav Nyquist to Minnesota Wild: A Closer Look
In a move that has caught the attention of NHL fans and analysts alike, the Nashville Predators have traded forward Gustav Nyquist to the Minnesota Wild. The announcement came on Saturday, with Nashville receiving a 2026 second-round draft choice in return. This trade is not just a simple player swap; it carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
One of the key details of this trade is that Nashville is retaining 50% of Nyquist’s salary. This is a strategic move, considering Nyquist is in the final season of a two-year, $6.37 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in July. By retaining part of his salary, Nashville makes the deal more palatable for Minnesota, who are looking to bolster their lineup amid a challenging season.
Nyquist’s recent performance has been a topic of discussion. He was held out of Nashville’s game against the New York Islanders on Saturday afternoon, as the trade was anticipated. The 35-year-old forward has had a tough time finding his rhythm in Nashville’s re-tooled lineup, managing just nine goals and 21 points in 57 games. This is a stark contrast to his impressive 75 points in 81 games last year. The hope is that a return to Minnesota, where he played three games in the 2022-23 season after being traded from Columbus, will help him regain his offensive touch.
For the Minnesota Wild, this trade comes at a crucial time. The team is currently on a three-game losing streak and is dealing with a slew of injuries. Notably, they are without top skater Kirill Kaprizov, and Joel Eriksson Ek is sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in practice. Additionally, Ryan Hartman is serving an eight-game suspension and is eligible to return on March 4. The addition of Nyquist is expected to provide much-needed depth and experience to the Wild’s lineup.
Nyquist is anticipated to fill a middle-six role for the Wild and contribute significantly to their penalty kill. He was fourth among Predators forwards in shorthanded ice time, averaging 1:20 per game. Minnesota will be looking to leverage his skills to improve their penalty kill, which is currently ranked 31st in the league.
Originally from Halmstad, Sweden, Nyquist was a fourth-round selection of the Detroit Red Wings back in 2008. His journey through the NHL has been marked by both challenges and successes, and this latest move to Minnesota represents another chapter in his career.
- Nyquist’s current contract: Two-year, $6.37 million
- Trade details: Nashville retains 50% of Nyquist’s salary
- Nyquist’s 2024-25 season stats: 9 goals, 21 points in 57 games
- Minnesota Wild’s current challenges: Three-game losing streak, key injuries
- Nyquist’s role: Middle-six forward, penalty kill contributor
As the NHL season progresses, all eyes will be on how Nyquist adapts to his new team and whether he can help the Wild overcome their current hurdles. This trade is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the league, where strategic decisions can have far-reaching impacts on a team’s success.
Originally Written by: Kristen Shilton
