Reported trade underway between the Red Wings and Penguins involving a veteran defenseman
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins have been linked as potential trade partners, as it appears general manager Kyle Dubas is interested in one veteran defenseman.
The Penguins are intent on making a move in order to shake things up on the blue line.
According to reports from Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now, the team is interested in acquiring veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson from the Red Wings.
The 33-year-old, who's been assigned to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins, could find a home on the team's blue line.
Sources say Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is «kicking tires» on spare left-handed defensemen...
One defenseman that sources believed the Penguins have inquired about is 33-year-old Erik Gustafsson. The Detroit Red Wings waived Gustafsson on Oct. 5, and after he cleared, he was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.
One defenseman that sources believed the Penguins have inquired about is 33-year-old Erik Gustafsson. The Detroit Red Wings waived Gustafsson on Oct. 5, and after he cleared, he was assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.
Erik Gustafsson and the Kyle Dubas Connection
The connection between Kyle Dubas and Erik Gustafsson was established during their time in Toronto together, during the 2022-23 NHL season, when he'd suit up for only 9 games for the Maple Leafs.
His familiarity with Gustafsson's work is one reason why Dubas could be interested in acquiring the depth blueliner.
The move would help bolster the blue line for the rebuilding team, which has just lost defenseman Caleb Jones to injury. And with a surprising record of 7-2-1 in the Metropolitan Division, a little help from someone Dubas knows is a surefire bet for the GM.
The 33-year-old defenseman played 60 games for the Red Wings last season and scored 18 points (2-16) in the bottom four of the lineup.
Now he calls the AHL home; this situation could benefit his career should the Penguins take the risk of acquiring him.
Gustafsson signed a two-year, $2 million deal with the Red Wings in 2024.
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