The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a historic season, having captured the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in franchise history. But despite their regular-season dominance, their playoff run ended in the second round at the hands of the Dallas Stars. Now fully into the offseason, the Jets are retooling — looking to strengthen their roster while navigating key departures.

Among the additions is veteran winger Gustav Nyquist, signed to a one-year deal worth $3.25 million. It’s a low-risk contract with the potential to be a sneaky value play.

The offseason began with a splash, as the Jets brought in NHL legend Jonathan Toews on a one-year deal. From there, the team added depth across the board. Forwards Tanner Pearson and Cole Koepke were brought in, along with Phillip Di Giuseppe, Walker Duehr, Samuel Fagemo, as well as re-signing Mason Shaw. On the back end, defenceman Kale Clague and goaltender Isaac Poulter also joined the organization — many of these expected to contribute primarily at the AHL level.

However, Winnipeg still has work to do. Key restricted free agents Gabriel Vilardi and Dylan Samberg recently filed for salary arbitration. With over $17 million in cap space, getting those deals done shouldn’t be an issue. Bringing back Vilardi has become especially important after the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, who signed with the Carolina Hurricanes in free agency.

To help offset the loss of Ehlers, the Jets brought in Nyquist — a seasoned NHL forward with a proven track record. Drafted 121st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, Nyquist made his NHL debut in the 2011–12 season after a strong college career at the University of Maine. He became a regular in the Wings’ lineup by 2014–15 and has since made stops in San Jose, Columbus, Minnesota, and Nashville.

Now 35 (he’ll turn 36 before the season begins), Nyquist is the second-oldest player on the team behind Toews. Still, the one-year, $3.25M contract limits risk, and Nyquist’s experience and versatility could prove valuable. Though he’s coming off a down year — 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) split between Nashville and Minnesota — he has hit the 40-point mark in nine of his last 11 seasons.

Just one year ago, in 2023–24, he posted a career-high 75 points with the Predators, tallying 23 goals and 52 assists over 81 games. He was particularly effective on special teams, racking up 24 power-play points that season and contributing on the penalty kill in both Minnesota and Nashville.

Nyquist also brings positional flexibility. While he primarily played right wing last season, he can also slot in on the left side — something that gives head coach Scott Arniel more options with line combinations. As it stands, Nyquist is projected to start on the second line alongside Cole Perfetti and Vladislav Namestnikov. Once Adam Lowry returns from injury, the Jets should have the ability to roll out three strong scoring lines.

Ultimately, the Nyquist signing is another example of smart, calculated roster building. While not a headline-grabbing move, it’s the kind of depth-focused acquisition that could pay off — especially for a team looking to build on a record-breaking season and go deeper in the playoffs.