DETROIT -- As expected, the Red Wings called up Gustav Nyquist from Grand Rapids and plan to play the crafty forward on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen in Thursday night’s home game against Carolina.
“He’s quick and he generates offense," Wings coach Mike Babcock said of Nyquist. "It gives us another skill player to play in our top-six (forwards), which is a real positive for us.
"We knew all along that we wanted to try and get him here, but financially we didn’t have a way to do that. It’s great to see him here.”
Nyquist had three goals and three assists in 22 regular-season games for the Red Wings last season. In 14 playoff games, he had two goals, three assists and was plus-3.
Still, Nyquist was trapped in a numbers game that landed him in Grand Rapids at the start of this season because he could go there without being put on waivers. He’s spent the entire season with the Griffins, even though many believe he earned a spot on the Detroit roster during training camp.
He's in Detroit now because an injury to defenseman Danny DeKeyser opened up a roster spot. DeKeyser was placed on long-term IR Wednesday with a separated left shoulder and is out at least three weeks.
Being sent down wasn't easy for Nyquist, but he didn’t sulk. He's fourth in scoring in the AHL, with 21 points (seven goals. 14 assists).
If he can produce some offense for a Wings team that has struggled to consistently score goals, maybe he’s here to stay.
“Obviously, it feels great, very excited to get in again tonight, and it’s going to be a fun game to be a part of,” Nyquist said. “I’m just going to try to play my game.
“We all know that we’re in need of a win here as a team, and we’ve lost a few in a row up here and at home, as well. So that’s something we want to change tonight.”
For now, Nyquist can still be sent down without going through waivers; however, once he plays two more games for the Wings, he’s out of options and would have to go through waivers -- a move the Wings wouldn't risk.
“I think we’ll take it day by day right now and see where it goes,” Nyquist said about his immediate future.
Babcock was direct about Nyquist’s approach to a frustrating situation, telling reporters that Nyquist has played so well and handled his stint in Grand Rapids so professionally that he’s put pressure on the Wings to make a decision on him.
“The best players in the end get to play," Babcock said. "They decide who gets to play because they play well enough to make it happen, and he’s done a good job.”
Babcock was noncommittal as to whether Nyquist was here for the long haul but was adamant that he's earned his shot.
When Nyquist was informed that some Wings fans have started a “Free Nyquist" movement in hopes of keeping him in Detroit, he was a bit shocked.
“I really don’t know what to say about that,” Nyquist said. “I’m just going to try and come into this game with some energy.
"I’m glad I’m here, and hopefully, I’ll stay.”
