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Detroit Red Wings: Spreading some Holiday Cheer

By Bob Heyrman

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 23: Michael Rasmussen #27 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his goal with teammates Niklas Kronwall #55, Nick Jensen #3, Dylan Larkin #71 and Gustav Nyquist #14 during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 23: Michael Rasmussen #27 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates his goal with teammates Niklas Kronwall #55, Nick Jensen #3, Dylan Larkin #71 and Gustav Nyquist #14 during the first period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena on December 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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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.

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