Gustav Nyquist has worn number 14 his entire career in the NHL, including his brief stint with the San Jose Sharks last spring. But after signing a four-year, $22 million contract with the Blue Jackets on July 1, there was one problem in Columbus: defenseman Dean Kukan wore number 14 this past season.
But that situation has now been rectified. Kukan is changing back to 46, which he wore in his first two seasons with Columbus, meaning Nyquist will once again don the number 14.
#CBJ NEWS: Free agent signee Gustav Nyquist will wear No. 14 for the Blue Jackets, with Dean Kukan switching back to wearing No. 46 for the upcoming season.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) July 11, 2019
No word yet on if Kukan gave up the number freely, or if Nyquist offered him something for the number. Considering he's got a lucrative new deal in his back pocket, it may not be a bad idea for Nyquist to send his new teammate a nice gift.
