Nashville Predators Trade Talks: Gustav Nyquist Held Out Amid Trade Discussions

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The Nashville Predators are holding forward Gustav Nyquist out of Saturday's game against the New York Islanders as they discuss a potential trade with the Minnesota Wild, according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun. The trade is still not done, and there could be complications, but Nyquist is expected to be dealt in the next day or two. He is in the final year of a two-year, $6.37 million deal with a $3.19 million cap hit and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

In 57 games this season for Nashville, the 35-year-old Swede has nine goals and 21 points while averaging 17:39 of ice time per game. Despite a flurry of off-season additions, the Predators enter play Saturday second-last in the Central Division and well out of a playoff spot at 21-30-7. Their 49 points are the third fewest in the NHL behind the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. The team is also dealing with injuries, as defenceman Roman Josi is out week-to-week due to an upper-body injury and was placed on the injured reserve list.

The 34-year-old defenceman has nine goals and 29 assists for 38 points in 53 games so far this season for the team. Nyquist's potential trade has been a topic of discussion, with the Minnesota Wild being the most aggressive pursuers, but other teams have also shown interest. He currently has nine goals and 21 points in 51 games this season, a dip from his previous season where he scored 23 goals and 75 points in 81 games. The flexibility he provides as a top or middle-six winger who can play on both sides of the ice should benefit the Predators' eventual return.

Here are the current standings for the Central Division:

  • Nashville Predators: 21-30-7
  • Chicago Blackhawks: 41 points
  • San Jose Sharks: 39 points
The Predators' struggles this season have led to them being open to trading some of their assets, with Nyquist being one of the most likely to be dealt. His shooting percentage is fairly close to his career average, and he remains a possession wizard with a 56.4% CorsiFor% at even strength.

The potential trade of Nyquist has sparked interest from several teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and Tampa Bay Lightning. His former teams, such as the Blue Jackets, Red Wings, and Wild, also make sense as potential suitors. As the trade deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see where Nyquist ends up and what the Predators will receive in return. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Predators will be looking to get the best possible value for their asset, and Nyquist's skills and experience make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their roster for a playoff push, and his ability to play both sides of the ice makes him a valuable asset in terms of flexibility.

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gustav nyquist nashville predator trade minnesota wild talk josi out

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