Predators trade Gustav Nyquist to Wild for second-round pick

Gustav Nyquist is heading back to the Minnesota Wild.

The Wild acquired the veteran centre from the Nashville Predators on Saturday in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2026. 

Nyquist played with the Wild before signing a two-year, $6.37 million contract with the Predators last season. Nashville will retain 50 per cent of his contract. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. 

The 35-year-old from Halmstad, Sweden, has 21 points (nine goals and 12 assists) in 57 games this season. He also had one goal in three games with Sweden during the 4 Nations Face-Off. 

Nyquist has 524 points (207 goals and 317 assists) in 841 career games over 13 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Wild and Predators. 

The Wild originally acquired him from the Blue Jackets in February 2023 for a fifth-round pick. He posted five points (one goal and four assists) in three games during the regular season and added five assists in six playoff games.

After signing with the Predators, Nyquist recorded a career-high 75 points (23 goals and 52 assists) in 81 games during the 2023-24 season.

Minnesota is third in the Central Division with a 34-22-4 record.