The forward was injured during a 3-2 overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 25 and will not require surgery. He was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
Nyquist left the game with 2:56 remaining in the first period after a hit by Edmonton forward Jesse Puljujarvi. The 33-year-old is sixth on Columbus with 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 48 games, playing mostly on the second line and second power-play unit, as well as taking a regular shift on the penalty kill.
"He's a guy I've really leaned on so we're going to miss him," coach Brad Larsen said Jan. 27. "He's in every situation. He's kind of a stabilizer for me. He's so consistent in what he gives, effort and the pace he can play at."
Nyquist is in the final season of a four-year contract he signed July 1, 2019, and can become an unrestricted free agent after the season. He has 423 points (174 goals, 249 assists) in 700 NHL games during 11 NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings, and was praised for his leadership by Larsen.
"He's got more of a voice than people think in the [locker] room, but his best asset is he does it by example," Larsen said. "He doesn't have to say much because he's always prepared, he gets in great shape, his competitiveness is always there. All those attributes that you want in a player, he has them."
The Blue Jackets (15-32-4) are last in the Metropolitan Division. They next play Feb. 10, against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL.com independent correspondent Kevin Woodley contributed to this report
