Experienced defenseman could boost Red Wings' power play performance
Photo credit: thehockeywriters
The Detroit Red Wings' power play improved significantly last season, ranking ninth for the first time since 2014-15. However, they face challenges with the departures of key players like Shayne Gostisbehere, David Perron, and others. New additions like Vladimir Tarasenko and Jonatan Berggren, along with internal improvements, aim to fill the void.
Erik Gustafsson, an eight-year NHL defenseman, joins to replace Gostisbehere on the power play after signing a two-year, $4 million contract. Though less dynamic offensively, Gustafsson is seen as a defensive upgrade.
Gostisbehere's 29 power-play points last season were the highest for a Detroit defenseman since Nicklas Lidstrom in 2010-11. Gustafsson, a Lidstrom fan from Sweden, has a proven power-play track record with 32 assists over the past four years. He will complement right-shooting Moritz Seider on the power play.
Former teammate Patrick Kane praised Gustafsson's offensive skills and improvement in defense, adding to the optimism around his addition to the team. Gustafsson, joining his eighth NHL team, looks forward to contributing to the Red Wings' success.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 41 ANSWERS Experienced defenseman could boost Red Wings' power play performance Who do you think will have the biggest impact on the Red Wings' power play this season? | ||
| Erik Gustafsson | 5 | 12.2 % |
| Vladimir Tarasenko | 23 | 56.1 % |
| Jonatan Berggren | 3 | 7.3 % |
| Moritz Seider | 10 | 24.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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