Detroit Red Wings Roster Move
In a recent roster move, the Detroit Red Wings have sent defenseman Erik Gustafsson back to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, concluding his brief tenure with the NHL squad which saw him play just one game. This announcement was made on Friday, following the team’s 6-3 defeat to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday, where Gustafsson played his only match after being called up due to Simon Edvinsson’s injury.
Gustafsson’s Performance in the AHL
The 33-year-old veteran had an impressive start to his season with the Griffins, contributing significantly to their outstanding performance, marked by a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 1 overtime loss. During his time with Grand Rapids, Gustafsson surpassed expectations, accumulating eight assists over ten games, making him the highest-scoring defenseman on the team.
Lineup Changes and Trade Rumors
Additionally, the Red Wings have activated Michael Rasmussen from Injured Reserve, adding to the reshuffling of their lineup. Reports have indicated that Gustafsson’s strong AHL performance has garnered interest from other NHL teams, with rumors suggesting that Detroit was exploring trade options to provide him with another chance at the professional level; however, no agreements were finalized.
Gustafsson’s NHL Journey
Gustafsson’s NHL journey has been noteworthy, particularly his standout season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018-19, where he achieved a career-high of 60 points from 17 goals and 43 assists. He also had a productive run with the Washington Capitals, scoring 42 points in 2022-23, and then followed that with a solid performance for the New York Rangers the next season, registering 31 points. Since becoming a Red Wing, he has suited up for 60 games and recorded 18 points, although he has faced challenges defensively, ending with a minus-19 rating.
