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How Erik Gustafsson Found His Hockey Home in the Big Apple

By Marvin Azrak

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 29: Erik Gustafsson #56 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate winning Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs on an overtime goal by John Tavares #91 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on April 29, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 29: Erik Gustafsson #56 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate winning Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs on an overtime goal by John Tavares #91 against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on April 29, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Discover how Erik Gustafsson went from being a blue-line standout under Coach Peter Laviolette to reuniting with an old friend on Broadway.

Erik Gustafsson must have thought he hit the hockey jackpot when he landed in the Big Apple, playing for none other than head coach Peter Laviolette. It was like destiny had drawn up a play just for him.

Under Laviolette’s watchful eye, Gustafsson skated his way to a stellar 2022-23 season, racking up 38 points on the scoreboard with seven goals and 31 assists in 61 games.

While donning the Washington Capitals jersey, Gustafsson led the defensive charge with a stellar 53.91% xGF. That’s the kind of number that makes opponents’ knees shake.

From Laviolette’s Guidance to Friendship with Zibanejad: Gustafsson’s Path to the Rangers:

In Gustafsson’s words, Laviolette’s coaching philosophy was about going full-throttle. “He wants you attacking and breaking out pucks and going the other way a little bit quicker,” Gustafsson explained. “We’ve got speedy forwards and skilled defensemen who can make plays. It’s all about playing the puck out from your own zone and finding the middle. You know, that sweet spot where the forward on the wall can bump it into the middle, and we can zip through the neutral zone like we’re on a breakaway.”

Gustafsson loved the idea of the defensemen joining the offensive rush. He said, “It’s kind of my  game out there.” Maybe he’s the secret ingredient to Laviolette’s playbook!

The 31-year-old defenseman couldn’t predict how he’d be used in the Big Apple, but the rumor mill hints at him sliding in as the left-handed defenseman on the bottom pair. That’s been a bit of a revolving door lately for the Rangers, but they’re crossing their fingers that Gustafsson is the puzzle piece they’ve been searching for.

Gustafsson didn’t just join for the coaching, though. He spilled the beans, saying, “Laviolette was one of the biggest reasons, obviously, but I think also the group of guys they have here.” Yep, it’s all about the locker room vibe.

Gustafsson had a buddy in the mix, too, none other than Mika Zibanejad, a friend he’s known for ages from their Swedish roots. They go way back, like 14 or 15 years back. Those two talked shop, and Gustafsson got rave reviews about the team atmosphere. The Rangers were building a squad with a mix of seasoned veterans and young, talented guns. It’s like assembling the Avengers of hockey.

So, Gustafsson inked that one-year, $825,000 deal faster than a slapshot. With Laviolette at the helm, old pals by his side, and a promising lineup in front of him, he’s ready to lace up his skates and hit the ice in the city that never sleeps.

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