New York Rangers sign Erik Gustafsson to one-year, $825k contract

The New York Rangers have continued to stay busy, signing Swedish defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year contract. According to Daily Faceoff Insider Frank Seravalli, the contract will carry an average annual value of $825,000.

Gustafsson will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season.

The 31-year-old defenseman split the season between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. While with the Capitals, he notched seven goals and 31 assists for 38 points in 61 games. While with the Leafs, he picked up four assists in nine games of action. Additionally, he played two playoff games for the Leafs, scoring one goal.

Gustafsson has bounced around throughout his career, initially drafted No. 93 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2012 NHL Draft, his rights were moved to the Chicago Blackhawks. After a dominating performance with Frolunda in the Champions Hockey League, which saw him lead the tournament in goals, assists and points by a defenseman, he embarked on his pro career. He made his NHL debut in 2015-16, recording 14 assists in 41 games.

In 2017-18 he was named to the AHL All-Star Game, and in 2018-19 got full-time minutes with the Blackhawks, where he recorded a career-high 17 goals and 43 assists for 60 points in 79 games. In 2020-21 he was on the Montreal Canadiens roster during their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final; he notched three points in 16 playoff games.

Gustafsson has also made stops in Calgary, Philadelphia and Montreal throughout his career. He has appeared in 379 NHL games notching 39 goals and 152 assists for 191 points in that frame.