New York Islanders Defensive Trade Target For Every NHL Team

Erik Gustafsson | Chicago Blackhawks

Contract: $4.357 million/1 year, Production: 7pts/56 games, Slot: Second Pair
Why We Want Him

Erik Gustafsson is on the Blackhawks second pair. In 2015-16 he played 41 games at the NHL level and had 14 assists. He spent all of 2016-2017 in the AHL putting up 30 points in 68 games. So far this year, in nine games, he’s got two points.

One of his biggest strengths is his possession numbers. He’s got a 54.4 CF% and a 4.4 CF% rel. Sure, it’s a small sample size, but it’s because he hasn’t been given the opportunity in Chicago.

If given the opportunity to be a regular Gustafsson can be a nice addition. Plus he should be a relatively cheap get. With the Blackhawks well out of a playoff spot perhaps they’d be will to take on some future assets in exchange for somebody who has never really fit in with them anyway.

Why We Don’t Want Him

The biggest con is the sample size. He’s played just 50 games in his NHL career, and he’s already 25 years old. This is a risky move but could pay off with a reward.

The question becomes if you’re willing to bet that a change of scenery and an opportunity would be enough for Gustafsson.

Again, I believe he can play at this level based on what we’ve seen, but I’m not entirely sure if his impact would be strong enough to help propel the Islanders defense. Sure he’d help the defense but by how much is the question here.