The Nashville Predators have traded winger Gustav Nyquist (50 percent retained) to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick.
Related: NHL Trade Bait List for 2025 Trade Deadline
Nyquist, a 35-year-old veteran, is coming off of a career season where he scored 75 points in 81 games, crushing his career-high of 54 points. While the 75-point pace was likely not going to happen again this season, his production has fallen off dramatically with just 21 points in 57 games. Of course, the entire Predators roster has struggled to score, but Nyquist was expected to be a big part of the offense this season.
Wild Brings in Nyquist for Playoff Run
At just under $1.6 million, bringing in Nyquist is a no-brainer for any team looking to add depth. Of course, the scoring isn’t as prominent for Nyquist this season, but the talent level is there, and he has a good chunk of playoff experience under his belt. In 12 playoff games over the last two seasons, Nyquist scored nine points and was a good producer for both the Predators and Minnesota Wild.
Nyquist is an upcoming free agent, so there is no long-term commitment to him or a contract. Of course, bringing him back next season is always possible, but for the Wild to acquire him, there is a possibility of a long-term fit. Nyquist played with the Wild for three games during the 2022-23 season. The Wild have a lot of salary cap space being cleared this offseason, and on top of the cap increasing, they will have lots of space.
At even strength, Nyquist is average defensively, but he is very effective on the penalty-kill as well. He can play a few different roles, whether it be in the top-six as an offensive producer, or in the bottom-six on a high-energy, physical, defensive line. He is a very useful player, and should fit into the wild lineup very well.
Predators Receive Pick for UFA
If you said before the 2024-25 season that the Nashville Predators would be selling at the trade deadline, many would laugh. With the huge additions made in the offseason, they had sky-high aspirations, but are currently one of the worst teams in the league and without a doubt the most disappointing.
Getting a second-round pick back is pretty good work for general manager Barry Trotz. Nyquist isn’t having a great season, is an upcoming free agent, and the Predators aren’t going to be turning things around. They already have a number of high picks over the next two drafts, and continue to add.
