Gustav Nyquist has been traded from the Nashville Predators to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2026. The seasoned forward was recently held out of a game due to trade-related reasons and is currently in the last season of a contract worth $6.37 million signed last summer. Nashville's coach praised Nyquist as a smart, versatile player and a great teammate. The Predators will retain 50% of his salary cap hit.

This season, Nyquist has 21 points from nine goals and 12 assists over 57 games. He brings experience to the Wild, who are currently struggling with injuries to key players like Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Minnesota has missed the playoffs for the last two years, and Nyquist's addition is viewed as a critical move to bolster their offense.

The Minnesota Wild have taken proactive measures in the wake of Joel Eriksson Ek's injury by acquiring Gustav Nyquist from the Nashville Predators, signaling a push for depth at center. With Kirill Kaprizov's status uncertain, the Wild's playoff aspirations hinge on his health. If he remains sidelined, targets like Brock Boeser and Brock Nelson become essential to offset the void. The market is volatile, with other teams like the Detroit Red Wings also navigating injuries and seeking additions. With multiple options available, the Wild must act swiftly as the trade deadline approaches.

The Nashville Predators have traded forward Gustav Nyquist to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft choice, retaining 50% of his salary. Nyquist, who has struggled this season with only 21 points in 57 games, is looking to regain form after a previous stint with the Wild. Minnesota is currently facing injury challenges, including the absence of star player Kirill Kaprizov, making Nyquist's acquisition crucial for their offensive depth and penalty kill improvement.

Exciting NHL action unfolds Friday with three key matchups featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs against the New York Rangers, the Los Angeles Kings squaring off with the Dallas Stars, and the Minnesota Wild clashing with the Colorado Avalanche. The all-original Six affair between the Maple Leafs and Rangers will be nationally televised, sure to captivate fans. The Maple Leafs enter with momentum, having scored at least five goals in their last trio of games, while the Rangers look to rebound from a recent loss to Buffalo. Offense has been the theme for both teams, making the over a strong betting option in this matchup. Meanwhile, the Kings and Stars battle in a Western Conference clash, with the home-ice advantage favoring the Stars. The Kings aim to improve their mediocre road record against a formidable Dallas squad. Lastly, Minnesota's back-to-back challenge against Colorado could prove taxing, especially after a tough loss against Utah.

As the NHL season reaches its pivot point, the 12-game slate on February 27, 2025, presents lucrative opportunities for daily fantasy players. The top three implied team totals are led by the Vegas Golden Knights at 4.1 goals, followed by Carolina Hurricanes at 4 and Montreal Canadiens at 3.6, offering a wealth of options for constructing winning lineups on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Key players to monitor include Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild, expected to be a valuable asset against the Utah Hockey Club. His impressive stats over recent games make him a strong choice at $7.6K on DraftKings. For center positions, Tomas Hertl stands out with a favorable matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, while Owen Beck is a budget pick expected to deliver. Wingers to consider include Alex Ovechkin, who continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record, and Patrik Laine, who is gaining traction against a weak San Jose Sharks defense.