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Gustav Nyquist Reveals the 'Rare Reason' he Decided to Sign With Jets

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:44 AM ET

The Winnipeg Jets signed Gustav Nyquist to a contract during the opening days of free agency, and he revealed he has a rare shot at winning the Stanley Cup.

Gustav Nyquist is pursuing the Stanley Cup, and he thinks Winnipeg may be the spot to get it.

The 35-year-old winger inked a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Jets last week, selecting Winnipeg over other interested teams with a single objective in mind: winning.

'When you're young, your first years in the league, you don't realize how hard it is to go all the way, how few chances you actually get. That was a big part of the decision to join the Jets. They've shown to be such a good team for quite a while here, and now I'm obviously hoping to take that next step with them.'
- Gustav Nyquist

Nyquist saw a steep decline in his point production last season

Gustav Nyquist recorded a career-high 75-point campaign (23 goals, 52 assists) with Nashville in 2023-24 but fell off to only 28 points in 79 games last season, which he split between the Predators and Minnesota Wild.

Nonetheless, he brings versatility, experience, and scoring potential into his 15th NHL season.

Though the Jets are likely to maintain their top three of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabe Vilardi together, Gustav Nyquist would project onto the second line with Cole Perfetti and new forward Jonathan Toews.

Jonathan Toews, who inked a deal with his hometown Jets following a two-year medical hiatus, headlined a high-profile free-agent group that also featured Nyquist, Tanner Pearson, and Cole Koepke.

Winnipeg lost Mason Appleton (Red Wings) and Brandon Tanev (Utah) to free agency.

Nyquist already has connections in the Jets locker room. He's friends with Luke Schenn and talked to him prior to signing. He's also played with Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Mason Shaw, and worked out with Vladislav Namestnikov in Michigan.

Although he's suited up for 863 NHL contests and accumulated 531 points (209-322), this will be Nyquist's initial foray into a Canadian market.

With 30 points in 83 playoff games, he's a leader and brings a sense of urgency as he sets his sights on a championship push.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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