Erik Gustafsson, Defenseman/New York Rangers
Thanks to Erik Gustafsson’s latest epic outing this season at a low price, it’s tough to see the New York Rangers letting him walk in free agency. But if the Flyers can accrue more cap space via trade, someone like Gustafsson would still be a cheaper option for 2024-25. It’s also worth noting that the Rangers won’t have much cap space regardless for the summer, and depending on what Daniel Briere does, that may not be the case with the Flyers.
For Gustafsson, it would be his second stint in Philadelphia, as you may remember that he was part of the team in 2020-21. That year, he saw 24 games of action, logging 10 points and a goal, but his most recent season with the Rangers has been one to remember.
Through 70 games as of April 3rd, Gustafsson has 30 points and six goals, and per the usual, he’s been an incredible quarterback on the power play. His on-ice shooting percentage on the man advantage is a solid 16.7 percent, but that’s low compared to the numbers he’s seen in recent years, and it shows off his overall value at 5-on-4.
Gustafsson has a career 52.3 percent on the Corsi For at even strength, and his on-ice goals for vs. on-ice goals against ratio is near his xGF to xGA ratio in the same situation. If the Flyers get in position to outbid the Rangers and other contenders for Gustafsson, the blueliner will reward them.