Born in Nynashamn, Sweden, Eric Gustafsson admired Detroit Red Wings star Nicklas Lidstrom. Now, Gustafsson joins the Red Wings, signing a two-year free-agent contract on July 1.
«(Detroit is) a great organization, so I was very happy they called my agent and we got a deal done,» Gustafsson said on July 2. «I'm very happy to be part of this team.»
Gustafsson, 32, spent the 2023-24 season with the New York Rangers, recording 31 points in 76 games. Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, he has 222 points across 455 games with several teams.
Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman expects Gustafsson to fill the offensive void that Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Walman left. Gustafsson, known for anchoring the power play, is confident in his role.
«With the skill and group we have, I think we can take another step this year,» Gustafsson said.