MLive’s Ansar Khan spoke with Gustav Nyquist regarding the possibility that #14 will be traded to clear cap space and acquire draft picks:
A source confirmed the club will try to deal Nyquist or Tomas Tatar before this year’s deadline (Feb. 26).
It’s far from a sure thing, mainly because Nyquist has a no-trade clause, giving him control over where he goes, or even if he goes.
“That’s for sure a bonus for me, that I’m able to make that decision, to have that power,” Nyquist said.
Nyquist is second on the team with 15 goals and has 25 points in 54 games. But his contract could limit potential suitors, too. His cap hit is $4.75 million, but his actual salary for next season is $5.5 million.
Nyquist said the Red Wings have not approached him about possibly waiving his no-trade clause. Asked if he would consider it, Nyquist said, “It depends on the situation I guess, but it’s not something I want to speculate on. Until it happens, I don’t want to have that on my mind.”
Khan continues, noting the following:
Defenseman Mike Green is their most viable trading chip. The Tampa Bay Lightning, with general manager Steve Yzerman and head scout Pat Verbeek, have kept close tabs on Green. Washington, Green’s former team, also has shown interest.
The Red Wings would like to move a goaltender, Jimmy Howard or Petr Mrazek, but that will be difficult since few playoff-contending teams – perhaps only the New York Islanders – appear to be in the market for a goalie.
at this point I think pretty much the whole roster should be available except Larkin, all other parts are pretty much replacable. Time to plan for 2 to 3 years from now, ship out whatever we can
I would maybe consider Mantha in a deal for either Erik Karlsson or Oliver Ekman-Larsson with an agreeable extension. But that’s about it.
It’s kind of weird to see this in print.
Part of me sees no good reason to trade Nyquist and Tatar, young guys, compared to Helm, Abdelkader, Nielsen, etc.