Gustav Nyquist agrees to 4-year, $19 million extension with Red Wings

The number of potential NHL arbitration cases this summer is dwindling by the day. The latest off the board is restricted free agent Gustav Nyquist of the Detroit Red Wings, who on Friday agreed to a four-year, $19 million deal, according to Elliotte Friedman. That’s an AAV of $4.75 million.

According to War on Ice, the deal breaks down with $3 million plus a $1 million signing bonus in the first year, then $4.25 million, $5.25 million and $5.5 million in the final three years. Years 3 and 4 also feature a full no-trade clause.

Red Wings have to be happy seeing this deal after what the Columbus Blue Jackets gave Brandon Saad.

The 25-year old Nyquist is coming off his second straight 20-plus goal, 45-plus point season. In 2014-15, he beat goalies 27 times and recorded 54 points. He’s also led Detroit in goals in each of the past two seasons.

“We’re very happy to have Gustav locked up for four more years,” said GM Ken Holland. “He’s quickly become an important part of our team, and is a critical piece to the Red Wings’ future. He is just now entering the prime of his career.”

The point about Nyquist being part of the Red Wings’ future is critical. With the likes of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk aging, along with the uncertainty about Johan Franzen’s career, locking in the next wave of offensive leaders is key. The franchise always has that next wave of players coming through, which is why they’ve been successful for such a long time. 

Next up on Holland’s plate? Two remaining NHL RFAs in Teemu Pulkkinen and Tomas Jurco.

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