Kyle Dubas Could Strike a Trade as Predators Forward Shockingly Scratched

Scratches related to trades have formally begun ahead of the deadline. The Nashville Predators will leave Gustav Nyquist out of today's New York Islanders game for "health protection," according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The impending unrestricted free-agent veteran right-winger is one of the leaders among trade targets.

Nyquist is finishing the second year of his two-year, $6.37M deal that he signed with Nashville in 2023. As the Predators appear to look elsewhere this season, he's one of their most marketable assets.

There should be hot demand, as the Swedish right winger is merely a season away from an all-time high 75-point campaign.

Even outside of his point scoring, he's put up great possession numbers, matching his highest CorsiFor% and even-strength on-ice save percentage since his stint with the Detroit Red Wings.

Aside from that, Nyquist's totals this year have dipped to nine goals and 21 points in 51 games. He's on pace for his lowest output since a shortened 2022-23 season plagued by injury he split between Columbus and Minnesota.

His shooting percentage remains close to his career rate, and his 56.4% CorsiFor% shows he's still generating chances well.

As a hybrid winger who can play on either wing in a top-six or middle-six role, Nyquist offers the kind of flexibility that should help increase Nashville's return in a trade.

Perhaps Kyle Dubas could take a swing at him, as he could be brought in to bring valuable experience to some of the younger players on the team.