The New York Rangers announced today that they have signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year contract. The deal will pay him $850k for 2023-24, a slight increase from his previous one-year agreement with the Washington Capitals, valued at $800k. After a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who traded a first-round pick and Rasmus Sandin to acquire him at the 2023 trade deadline, the 31-year-old from Nynashamm, Sweden, will suit up for his seventh NHL team since debuting in 2015.
Erik Gustafsson is headed to the Big Apple. 🗽 pic.twitter.com/1wl0EFW9dB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2023
Gustafsson Inks New Contract
Originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers (93rd overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Gustafsson has already played for six teams, including two stints with the Chicago Blackhawks. Last year he played 70 games with the Capitals and Leafs, collecting seven goals, 35 assists, and 42 points with a plus-nine rating.
Statistically, Gustafsson’s best campaign came in 2018-19, collecting career highs in games played (79), goals (17), assists (43), and points (60). Although he has not reached double-digit goals since that year, he has assisted on more than 30 goals in the last two seasons.
Impact of Gustafsson’s Contract
As a top-four defenseman, fans should expect Gustafsson to play around 19 minutes a night. Outside of his outstanding season in 2018-19, he has yet to collect more than 63 blocks or 86 hits, meaning he’s not playing a hard-nosed defensive style.
Although new head coach Peter Laviolette may request a little more out of him with more shot blocking or hits, Gustafsson can compensate for any shortcomings by contributing even more on the offensive side. Even though he’s only plus-1 in his career, he did finish 2022-23 plus-nine, the first time he registered a plus rating since his rookie campaign.
As a low-cost option in the market, the Rangers improved their back end by bringing in a guy who can play offensively and be responsible on the blue line. Even though New York already has defensemen like Adam Fox and K’Andre Miller to rack up points, adding a well-traveled veteran who loves to act as a set-up guy can help. Players like Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider will appreciate his presence in the lineup to keep the team competitive in the Metropolitan Division.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
