Nyquist the Odd Man Out Up Front

According to MLive’s Ansar Khan, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock has his lines set for the start of the abbreviated 2013 NHL season and they do not include Gustav Nyquist.

Nyquist notched seven points in 18 games as a call-up with the Red Wings last season and appeared ready to make the jump to the NHL this year. Through 34 games, his 33 points lead the Grand Rapids Griffins this season. Unfortunately for him, however, his two-way contract means he can remain with the Griffins without being exposed to waivers.

With the retirement of Tomas Holmstrom and the addition of Swiss star Damien Brunner and veteran grinder Jordin Tootoo, the Red Wings are bringing 15 forwards into their truncated training camp. Patrick Eaves’ ongoing recovery from post-concussion system will keep him out of the lineup, but the remaining 14 skaters will take every spot available. Of the 14, only Brunner could – like Nyquist – be sent to the Griffins without the Wings’ risking losing him for nothing.

That leaves Nyquist on the outside looking in as the season starts, along with a handful of his Griffins teammates.

“Nyquist, Tatar, Andersson and Sheahan have been fantastic in Grand Rapids,” Babcock said. “I know what they can do and we’ll see when we need them.”