The NHL Trade deadline is fast approaching, and for the third consecutive season, the Detroit Red Wings are poised to be sellers as they are well outside of a playoff spot. The deadline is February 25 at 3:00 PM.
Trade rumors can sometimes weigh on players minds, especially those who have surfaced in said rumors. One such player is Gustav Nyquist, who is an unrestricted free-agent at the end of this season.
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“I’d be lying if I said you didn’t hear anything,” Nyquist said after practicing Monday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. “You see and hear the rumors, whatever they are. I’m not too much on social media, but you hear about them.”
General manager Ken Holland is making and receiving phone calls regarding potential trades and is going to do so until the deadline. Some additional names that could potentially be moved include Jimmy Howard, forwards Thomas Vanek and Martin Frk, and defensemen Niklas Kronwall, Nick Jensen and Luke Witkowski.
“We have a couple of more weeks left,” said Nyquist. “I try not to think about any of it. But I like said, I’d be lying if I said you don’t hear anything about it.
“But in saying that, I personally just try to focus on hockey. That’s all I can control — and time will tell, with whatever happens.”
Of course, the team coaching staff is well aware of the rumors and know they can weigh on their players minds.
“You have to be aware of it,” Blashill said. “Especially the guys who are moving into UFA, and that potential of being traded. You have to be aware of it. They’re humans. Everybody is a little bit different. Some guys have been through it and others haven’t….It can affect you.”
However, Blashill is preaching to “control what you can only control”.
“Play every day, and if you play great hockey, life is good,” Blashill said.
