The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Gustav Nyquist to a one-year, $3.25-million contract.

The 35-year-old split the 2024-25 season with the Nashville Predators and the Minnesota Wild, scoring 11 goals and 28 points in 79 games. Nyquist is now a year removed from a 23-goal and 75-point season, which was a season where he established a career-high in points, but if last season was any indication, Nyquist is best suited as a middle-six forward who you can pair with skilled players.

All signs point towards the Jets losing Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mason Appleton has departed for the Detroit Red Wings. Although Nyquist doesn't possess the speed and skill of Ehlers or the size and aggression of Appleton, he can be a valuable addition to the Jets forward group and chip in offensively when needed. 

In his best years, Nyquist was a phenomenal puck carrier, willing to break into the offensive zone with the puck and protect it while cycling, looking to create openings in the defence. He's known as a stellar passer but recorded just five primary assists at 5-on-5 last year. If he can improve on that and if he sees positive regression in his finishing numbers, Nyquist can fairly easily record 15-plus goals and possibly 40 points. 

The Jets still have quite a bit of business to handle, both internally and on the trade and free agent market, to improve on their roster and plug some of the holes the impending Ehlers exit will leave. Their defensive group is set, but major repairs need to be done to ensure they can still produce offensively. 

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