Gustav Nyquist isn’t scoring at a clip he once did, but he is passing his way towards career-high level. Goose has thrived in a Zetterberg type playmaking style. He looks to defer to a passing play rather than ripping a shot towards the net. Sometimes passing to a fault when he needs to fire it on goal for his own scoring chance rather than trying to make a perfect play.
Nyquist has scored 9 goals but has added 22 assists on the season. 31 points in 38 games is a nice start to his season. He is also a plus 5 on the season. He was a regular staple on the second line, but with Anthony Mantha breaking his hand during a scrap and being sidelined for an extended period of time Gus is needed on the top line with Larkin.
He and Larkin have found some chemistry once again, and I sort of wonder if maybe Nyquist will remain on the top line even once Mantha returns. Nyquist is in the final year of his contract and will serve as a great rental option for someone if he decides to waive his no-trade clause.
The Detroit Red Wings should receive a significant amount in return for the top 9 forward. He is 28 years old and having a good season. In the past he was an extremely streaky scorer, this year he has been relatively consistent all season long.
Nyquist is playing nearly a minute an a half more per game this season over his career average. He has only one power play goal and needs to be more of a shooter from the half wall. He has 7 power-play assists. He plays very similar to Larkin on the power play, typically working on the half board looking to make a nice pass into the slot or set up a point man for a one-timer.
I would like to see Gus defer more regular and drive the puck toward the net from the wall. He needs to score a bit more, but we can’t complain about his production so far this season.