Red Wings veteran defenseman reportedly set to leave the organization and return home to Sweden

The Detroit Red Wings' trade plans for the season are tough to predict, as a lot could happen. They have a surplus at certain positions and need to fill others that could force Steve Yzerman to make trades before the deadline.

Changes are notably poised to happen on the blue line.

Although the Wings have a few assets in their hands, one of the biggest question marks is Erik Gustafsson.

The veteran NHLer is currently playing in the AHL, and his days with the organization are most likely to end.

Trade rumors surrounding Gustafsson put doubts on his future in Detroit, but his contract situation confirms it.

The player will become a free agent at the end of the season, and it would be very unlikely to see the Wings sign him to an extension.

If they don't trade him, he'll leave the team in free agency.

A recent report even confirmed that a return home to Sweden could be on the table for Gustafsson.

Indeed, the 33-year-old veteran, who played with Djurgården IF between 2009 and 2013, could return to the SHL for the end of his career.

So, if he doesn't get traded by Steve Yzerman during the season, his days with the Wings will end on July 1st, when his $2M AAV deal expires, which appears the most likely ending for Gustafsson, after reports confirmed low offers from NHL teams to get him on the trade market.

This season, the defenseman tallied eight points in eight games, all assists, in the Grand Rapids Griffins' historic start to the season.