Red Wings assign veteran defenseman to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins ahead of facing Lightning Friday

It was announced by the Detroit Red Wings organization today that they have assigned the veteran defenseman to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.

Gustafsson would play only one game during his call-up to the NHL this season with the Red Wings and left with a -1.

He'd play 17:23 and register 2 shots on goal on 21 shifts against the Nashville Predators on the 26th.

He was a part of the team that fell apart to the Predators that night, and it didn't do him any favors.

Gustafsson has scored 8 points (0-8) in 10 games this season with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

With his +7 rating in the AHL, he was also tied for 14th in assists with defensemen in the league.

The Red Wings completed a roster move with the veteran defenseman, as he was recalled from the AHL on the 23rd. It's easy to see he failed to capitalize on his opportunity.

The former Edmonton Oilers draft pick (93rd overall in the 2012 NHL Draft) has played 516 games in the NHL, split between the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens.

During his 516-game career, he scored 240 points (47-193) and was a bottom-pairing defenseman in Detroit.

In July 2024, the Red Wings signed him to a 2-year, $2 million contract.