The best of Gus Nyquist ... so far

In the hockey world, much ink was spilled about the players who didn't re-sign with Columbus when free agency hit July 1 of last year.

But to head coach John Tortorella, the one player from outside the organization to sign with the Blue Jackets was a player who made a huge difference for the team during the 2019-20 season.

"I've said it from day one when I started watching him play -- it's a terrific signing by (general manager) Jarmo Kekalainen where we had summer of departures," Tortorella said this year of Gustav Nyquist, the longtime Red Wings forward who the Blue Jackets signed to a four-year deal July 1. "He's been a mainstay for us this year."

"He's a utility player. He's up and down with the lines. We're turning him into a penalty killer. I think he's embraced that and done a really good job there. I think he's really good in tight spaces."

Tortorella has appreciated a lot about Nyquist's game, from his professionalism to his ability to play in all situations to his scoring punch to his consistency. In a season marked by a ridiculous number of injuries, Nyquist lived up to his reputation as one of the most dependable players in the NHL, as the 30-year-old winger was one of just three CBJ players to suit up in all 70 games this year. In that span, Nyquist notched 42 points to place second on the team thanks to 15 goals and 27 assists.

Some of his goals were big ones, as well, including his hat trick on a Black Friday win over Pittsburgh and his penalty shot overtime winner in a game at Toronto in October.

The NHL plans to resume the season in the coming weeks with training camps due to begin July 10, but for now, watch the video above for highlights from Nyquist's season.