Blackhawks Are Reportedly Going To Re-Sign Erik Gustafsson

We’ll just do a quick blog on this because it’s likely the only Blackhawks news between now and the end of the draft.

Erik Gustafsson is fine. He skates well, has skill, and can fill a 3rd pair role just fine. The Blackhawks have plenty of money this summer for the first time in a decade so the actual price tag of roughly $1.25M AAV isn’t a big deal. Having said all of that…I kinda hate this deal.

The Blackhawks are now committed to at least 5 NHL defensemen for next season.

Keith– $5,538,462

Seabrook– $6,875,000

Murphy– $3,850,000

Oesterle– $650,000

Gustafsson– $1,250,000

Then the Blackhawks also have Forsling and Dahlstrom on their entry level deals so they could shuffle back and forth between the NHL and Rockford. The problem with adding Gustafsson for another 2 years is that now you’re committed to another guy who is at his best a 3rd pair guy. Right now the only thing the Blackhawks have are 3rd pair guys. I like Murphy a lot, but unless he gets better with the puck on his stick he’s a 3rd pair guy on a top team. I like Seabrook a lot, but at this point in his career he’s a 3rd pair guy. Gustafsson…third pair. Oesterle…probably a 3rd pair guy on a Cup contender team.

So while the reported term and cap hit for Gustafsson isn’t a problem, locking up another roster spot is a problem. I’d rather keep that spot open for guy like Forsling, Dahlstrom, or Jokijarhu to come in and win during training camp. Gustafsson, while he’s a fine player, likely is what he is at 25 years old. Can’t imagine him growing into a top 4 guy at this point in his career. I’m a big believer in giving yourself options, and committing to Gustafsson(should this come to fruition) limits your options somewhat. And when defense was CLEARLY a weak spot on your roster this year, bringing back the EXACT same guys and hoping for a different result is insanity.