Observations:

August 2013 – In July 2013, defenseman Erik Gustafsson signed a one way, one-year deal worth one million dollars with the Flyers. In the 2012-2013 season, he played 27 games scoring three goals and five helpers. Although the numbers may not show it, he supported his team defensively while averaging more than twenty minutes per game. He also helped his home country Sweden win gold at the 2013 IIHF World Championship with a goal and an assist in 10 games. The probability of this player’s success is indeed rising. Jenn Lardani {source}
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March 2013 – Why the Flyers have not given Gustafsson a proper run at an NHL job is rather mind boggling. We all know how much they like large, physical and intimidating blue-liners, but mixed in, a puck-mover like Gustafsson should have a solid role much like Kimmo Timonen. He has continued his AHL dominance this year on an offensively stunted roster and has little more to prove at that level. Should the Flyers not give him an opportunity next season, it might best for him to be moved to a new team. Philadelphia at the moment has seven defensemen signed to one-way contracts for next season, but with the trade deadline looming and the team falling out of the playoff race, two or three could find themselves in new cities as the Flyers trim payroll. In this case Gustafsson may make a solid late season addition from the waiver wire, but be aware, the team has shown little reason for ‘poolies’ to utilize many of their players outside Jakub Voracek, Claude Giroux and Timonen. Jason Banks

May 2012 – Gustafsson is an undersized and underrated defenseman that plays a sound two-way game with exceptional hockey sense. He has some nice offensive upside in his cool poise with the puck and the ability to find teammates with his vision. He is robust in his skating as quite mobile and can find top speed with acceleration. Gustafsson imported initially into the NCAA ranks with Northern Michigan before signing in the AHL and now seeing time with the Flyers in Philadelphia in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Gustafsson’s skating ability and hockey IQ will most likely land him as a regular in NHL soon.

Footage:

Erik Gustafsson snapping a goal from the top of the circle for the Flyers in 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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