|
Nyquist undertain about worlds |
|
|
|
|
|
Sweden wants Gustav Nyquist, but does Nyquist want Sweden? That’s the answer to be determined. His native land has requested that Nyquist play for them in the upcoming world championship, slated for May 4-20 in Denmark, but Nyquist danced around the question of whether he’d go to the worlds when it was posed during last week’s locker cleanout day for the Detroit Red Wings.
“Not decided yet,” Nyquist said. “No answer on that. There’s a couple of things, but I’m sure it will come out sooner or later what my decision is.”
Unless he’s dealing with an ailment that’s not been disclosed, it would be surprising if he chose not to suit up for the Swedes. He’s always answered Sweden’s call in the past, even in 2016, passing up the chance to go to Churchill Downs and watch his namesake Nyquist when the Kentucky Derby in order to play for Sweden at the worlds.
Suiting up all 82 games this season, Nyquist netted 21 goals, his best season in terms of goal output since he scored 27 in 2014-15 and the third 20-goal campaign of his NHL career, but the 28-year-old right-winger wasn’t about to reach around and pat himself on the back, or tweet out Mission Accomplished for that matter.
“I don’t think I’m happy when I’m standing here talking to you guys in April,” he told reporters on locker cleanout day. “I’ve got to find a way to be better. I scored a little more goals this year, but I still think I created enough chances to score more. I want to produce more than I did.
“I’ve got to find a way here during the summer to do some things and get better for next year to have a big season.”
Nyquist did take pride in the fact that he was one of three Red Wings, along with Dylan Larkin and Henrik Zetterberg, to skate in all 82 games.
“Yeah for sure,”Nyquist said. “I think my body’s been feeling pretty good overall during the course of the season. Everyone plays hurt from time to time at some parts of the season but overall I’ve been pretty happy with my health over the season.”
To date, Larkin and coach Jeff Blashill (USA), Frans Nielsen (Denmark) and Martin Frk (Czech Republic) are the only members of the Wings organization committed to play in the world championship.
The Danes and Team USA are together in Group B and will meet on the ice in preliminary-round action on May 5. If Nyquist goes, the Swedes and Czechs are in Group A, and he would clash with Frk and the Czech Republic on May 6.
Wings forward Luke Glendening underwent wrist surgery last week, which will leave him unavailable to Team USA for the worlds, but shouldn’t impact his status for the 2018-19 NHL season.
Follow me on Twitter @asktheduffer
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»