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Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Defensemen to Pursue Instead of Alex Pietrangelo

By Eric Cruikshank

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 3: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on October 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 3: Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on October 3, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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CALGARY, AB – MARCH 8: Erik Gustafsson #56 of the Calgary Flames. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 8: Erik Gustafsson #56 of the Calgary Flames. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

Erik Gustafsson – Calgary Flames

Erik Gustafsson was drafted in the fourth round in 2012 to the Edmonton Oilers, and in typical Oilers fashion, failed to assess his talent correctly. Gustafsson joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015 where he would eventually breakout as one of the best defensemen in the NHL for the 2018-19 season, posting 60 points in 79 games.

While Gustafsson seemingly came out of nowhere, his point production has dropped significantly for this season.

With just 26 points in 59 games in Chicago, he was criminally undervalued and traded to the Calgary Flames for a 3rd round pick, likely due to the fact that they were not planning on re-signing him this summer.

Just one season ago he led the Blackhawks defense in points as well as takeaways (generated turnovers), while also placing third in hits and blocked shots. In comparison to Torey Krug at 5’9, Gustafsson provides a bit more size at 6’0 and has a much more well-rounded game.

With Gustafsson’s contract being so low, along with the amount of points he has put up this season, his expected salary could drop significantly despite his previous stats and would make him extremely affordable.

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