This summer, Spencer Lazary and I will continue our series with more potential free agent targets that could be on the market on July 1st.
Today, we look at 13-year vet, and former Columbus Blue Jacket Gus Nyquist.
Target: Gus Nyquist - F - Age: 35 - 13 Years Experience
Nyquist was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2008. He spent the first eight years of his career there before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2019. On July 1, 2019, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played 200 games for Columbus before being traded to the Minnesota Wild in 2023. He then signed with the Nashville Predators in 2023 and played 138 games there before being traded back to the Wild this past trade deadline. He is now free to sign anywhere he chooses.
Stats
Nyquist played 79 games in 24-25 for the Preds and Wild, where he scored 11 and totaled 28 points. He normally averages 50 points per 82 games played, so this was definitely a down year for Nyquist. But then again, Nashville had an atrocious season, so it was to be expected.
Nyquist has played 83 playoff games and has 30 points.
Previous Salary
Nyquist signed a two-year, $6.37 million contract with the Nashville Predators on July 1, 2023. Contract experts put his next deal at $3.3 million per season for two years.
Realistic Chances Of A Signing: Cold
Gus Nyquist was a beloved member of the CBJ for the years he was here. From his teammates to the fans, everyone loved Gus. With veterans like Sean Kuraly, James van Riemsdyk, and Kevin Labanc most likely leaving in free agency, Gus Nyquist would be a perfect player to jump in and fill in that roll.
The problem is, he's 35, and probably wants to try to win a championship before his career is over, and that's why I think he is probably going to choose a contending team if they'll have him. He can still score and be productive if given the chance.
Let us know what you think below.
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