What Gustav Nyquist brings to the Winnipeg Jets

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The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a historic season, having captured the Presidents’ Trophy for the primary time in franchise historical past. However regardless of their regular-season dominance, their playoff run ended within the second spherical by the hands of the Dallas Stars. Now totally into the offseason, the Jets are retooling — trying to strengthen their roster whereas navigating key departures.

Among the many additions is veteran winger Gustav Nyquist, signed to a one-year deal value $3.25 million. It’s a low-risk contract with the potential to be a sneaky worth play.

The offseason started with a splash, because the Jets introduced in NHL legend Jonathan Toews on a one-year deal. From there, the crew added depth throughout the board. Forwards Tanner Pearson and Cole Koepke had been introduced in, together with Phillip Di Giuseppe, Walker Duehr, Samuel Fagemo, in addition to re-signing Mason Shaw. On the again finish, defenceman Kale Clague and goaltender Isaac Poulter additionally joined the group — many of those anticipated to contribute primarily on the AHL stage.

Nevertheless, Winnipeg nonetheless has work to do. Key restricted free brokers Gabriel Vilardi and Dylan Samberg lately filed for wage arbitration. With over $17 million in cap area, getting these offers carried out shouldn’t be a problem. Bringing again Vilardi has turn into particularly necessary after the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in free company.

To assist offset the lack of Ehlers, the Jets introduced in Nyquist — a seasoned NHL ahead with a confirmed monitor file. Drafted 121st general by the Detroit Purple Wings in 2008, Nyquist made his NHL debut within the 2011–12 season after a powerful faculty profession on the College of Maine. He grew to become a daily within the Wings’ lineup by 2014–15 and has since made stops in San Jose, Columbus, Minnesota, and Nashville.

Now 35 (he’ll flip 36 earlier than the season begins), Nyquist is the second-oldest participant on the crew behind Toews. Nonetheless, the one-year, $3.25M contract limits threat, and Nyquist’s expertise and flexibility might show worthwhile. Although he’s coming off a down 12 months — 28 factors (11 targets, 17 assists) break up between Nashville and Minnesota — he has hit the 40-point mark in 9 of his final 11 seasons.

Only one 12 months in the past, in 2023–24, he posted a career-high 75 factors with the Predators, tallying 23 targets and 52 assists over 81 video games. He was notably efficient on particular groups, racking up 24 power-play factors that season and contributing on the penalty kill in each Minnesota and Nashville.

Nyquist additionally brings positional flexibility. Whereas he primarily performed proper wing final season, he also can slot in on the left facet — one thing that offers head coach Scott Arniel extra choices with line mixtures. Because it stands, Nyquist is projected to begin on the second line alongside Cole Perfetti and Vladislav Namestnikov. As soon as Adam Lowry returns from damage, the Jets ought to have the flexibility to roll out three sturdy scoring strains.

Finally, the Nyquist signing is one other instance of sensible, calculated roster constructing. Whereas not a headline-grabbing transfer, it’s the type of depth-focused acquisition that would repay — particularly for a crew trying to construct on a record-breaking season and go deeper within the playoffs.

PRESENTED BY PRAIRIE TOYOTA DEALERS 

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