Erik Gustafsson Is Once Again On The Chicago Blackhawks

Erik Gustafsson may have had a good preseason with the New York Islanders, but they still opted not to sign him. Instead, the 29-year-old defenseman is returning to the Chicago Blackhawks on a one-year, $800,000 contract.

Erik Gustafsson back with the #Hawks expected to be a 1-year deal worth $800k.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 10, 2021

Gustafsson had the most success of his NHL career with the Blackhawks, so this could be a perfect fit for him. During the 2018-19 season specifically, he had his best year. In 79 games, he scored 17 goals and recorded 60 points. He followed that up with 26 points in 59 games with them before being dealt to the Calgary Flames at the deadline.

Gustafsson played 29 games this past season between the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens. He would score one goal and record 12 total points. Now, that he's back in Chicago, perhaps his point totals can go back up a bit.

Nonetheless, this is a low-risk move for the Blackhawks. Even if Gustafsson isn't in their top-six, he should make a solid seventh defenseman at a minimum.