The Athletic article by Kevin Kurz states a source told him Nyquist nixed a trade to Winnipeg.
Maybe this is why Winnipeg was relocated in the first place despite having a rabid fanbase. Its crazy how few above-average guys they've been able to attract or retain who weren't already settled into the organization to begin with.
Holland's statements were all in press conferences and radio interviews so I'm having a little trouble finding anything quickly, but here's this
Seems pretty weird to randomly choose Winnipeg to be the one team you don't want to go to over say, Ottawa.
I'll also say that all reports lead to Holland asking for a list of teams 10 days ago. So that 1 team list was established before any trade could be negotiated in order for it to be "nixed".
If you're considering that the team trading for you as a rental may also be the team who is willing to pony up the best contract offer to keep you (since they've already invested in you), well, you may not want Winnipeg to make you an offer you can't refuse. For whatever reason (I'd guess its size/isolation first and foremost), Winnipeg is not a well-liked town by those with options.
Also, Nyquist isn't even going to think about Ottawa. They've been dead last or close to it and looking to shed salary for months now. He's not a moron - he knows they wouldn't be interested in a rental like him.
Nyquist saying "I don't want to go to Ottawa"
and "No Trade Clauses did not effect any trades"
are not mutually exclusive
He also said it didn't impede them from "getting the deal they wanted." If Winnipeg offered the same thing as SJ (or less), then Nyquist could've nixed the deal to Winnipeg without it affecting them getting the deal they wanted (given the market).