Detroit Red Wings defenseman Erik Gustafsson has begun his preseason preparations by training with Swedish club Djurgarden of the SHL. Although this arrangement is temporary, it allows Gustafsson to stay in shape before NHL training camps officially begin.
Djurgarden’s sporting director Niklas Wikegård noted that the club tries to maintain close contact with former players, especially those who may return later in their careers. Gustafsson’s presence in Sweden has sparked interest, as it’s a common trend for Swedish NHL veterans to train or eventually return to play in their home country.
Gustafsson Trains with Former Club Djurgarden, Embracing Familiar Roots Before NHL Return
Gustafsson’s return to Djurgarden is more than just a training opportunity it’s a homecoming. He previously played with the club from 2009 to 2013, progressing from the junior level to the senior team. This kind of return is not unusual for Swedish players.
Recently, Nicklas Backstrom announced his return to Sweden to play for Brynas, joining former Red Wing Robert Hagg. These decisions reflect a broader pattern among Swedish NHL stars, including Peter Forsberg and Borje Salming, who chose to close out their careers in their homeland.
Erik Gustafsson (NHL)Despite his current training stint in Sweden, Gustafsson remains under contract with the Detroit Red Wings for one more season. He is entering the final year of a two-year deal, carrying a cap hit of $2 million annually. His status as an unrestricted free agent after this season adds to the importance of a strong performance.
This will be the first time since the 2019–20 season that Gustafsson returns to the same NHL club he ended the previous season with, marking a break in his journeyman trajectory.
Gustafsson Seeks Stability and Growth Amid Frequent Team Changes Since 2019–20 Season
Gustafsson has become known for moving frequently across NHL teams. Since 2019–20, he has changed teams eight times. While this instability could be seen as a setback, Gustafsson views it differently. He values each stop as a new experience and an opportunity to grow.
Reflecting on last season, he recorded 18 points (2 goals, 16 assists) in 60 games with Detroit but finished with a minus-19 rating. Despite those numbers, his performance in the latter part of the season showed signs of improvement.
Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman acknowledged Gustafsson’s overall contributions last season but indicated there’s room for improvement. Yzerman pointed out that Gustafsson’s consistency improved after Todd McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde as head coach.
With expectations higher this season, especially given his contract status, Gustafsson will need to deliver a more complete and steady performance. If he does, he may not only earn a renewed contract but also solidify a longer-term role in Detroit or elsewhere in the NHL.
