Hate that all Nyquist discussion on that Howard thread.... could mods move that discussion in here?
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How I could analyze Nyquist -traded on the trade dealine:
A) Who are the possible buyers?
Of course, contenders.
- Tampa Bay, won't need scoring wingers, they have at least million possibilities on their own. Backup goalie maybe only need.
- Toronto Maple Leafs. also strong forward core, Nylander was already their "Nyquist", they are gonna push for trade at defence.
- Winnipeg Jets. This is where I see a fit. Last year they traded for a center (Stastny), and could need offensive depth. Their defence and goaltending is more than set. Now Little is doing better at center and winger could also be a possibility. I could see Nyquist as playmaking wing for Laine. That "dirty-work" Little works still between them and will push other scoring depth to lower lines.
- Washington Capitals. I could see a fit. they are missing one forward from great Top9 offence. Have heard that Burakowsky is their trade bait are not gonna extend his QO at next summer. Would not like him as a trade bait, would prefer a 1st pick only. Also, they could add defensive depth and could see Trevor Daley there with 50% retention, for a lower pick.
- Buffalo Sabres. A buyer? Sounds crazy, but they have three 2019 1st rounders to use at least one in a deadline deal. They are gonna terminate Patrik Berglund contract, so maybe that opens a need for more experinced forward, who knows. They have lots of own kids though...
- Calgary Flames. they have good center core so add could be a winger. I think Nyquist could fit perfect on their style of play. Bill Peters knows Gus from his Detroit days, so if he sees a fit, an offer could happen. Nyquist - Backlund - Lindholm could be something as a full Swedish 2nd line. Cap would be tight with the Flames, but we could retent and take some UFA roster player to make room.
- Columbus Blue Jackets. They have quite deep offensive group, don't know if there is willingness for a trade. Those Panarin+Bobrovsky cases are really problematic, if they want out at summer. If either would extend with us and Nyquist would like to extend with CBJ, that could be an incentive for both organisations. Unprobable though. I could see Columbus being a team trying to get Nyquist as summer UFA, when they are gonna lose Panarin.
- Nashville Predators. Always have seen Nyquist as fit there, they don't have left-handed playmaker on their 2nd PP. Tolvanen will be that but is still too young. Preds is a team with "too much righties". Lot's of right-handed shooters to fit with Nyquist's playmaking, and easily has the cap space.
- Colorado Avalanche. Definitely see a fit. 1-line team that doesn't become any kind of playoff threat, until they bolster the offence and build deeper lines with skill.
- Boston Bruins and San Jose sharks. They have just too much forward depth on their own.
- Pittsburgh Penguins. they have the offence, and all assets they probably have left, will to to that Goaltendeing solution.
- If Vegas, Dallas and Edonton will rise on the standings, I could re-evaluate their needs. So far I don't see them as contenders and not as buyers.
Best fit so far:
Jets and Predators. They are enough strong to believe that their 1sts will be low-end picks and that reduces the limit to pull the trade-trigger.
