In my opinion, Gustafsson is the most intriguing NCAA free agent in this group of players and should garner substantial interest from the NHL. If Trevor Timmins and his staff are "on the ball", then the Canadiens should consider signing Gustafsson and/or other college UFAs.
Give Brian Burke credit last year for signing quality NCAA UFAs like Tyler Bozak and Christian Hanson without giving up any NHL roster players or draft pick in return.....a "win-win" situation!!
Here is a excerpt from the Hockey's Future article by DJ Powers:
Erik Gustafsson, D, 21
Junior, Northern Michigan University
Gustafsson is one of two Swedish-born players on the Wildcats roster. After a successful rookie campaign two seasons ago, Gustafsson has continued to build on it and has become one of the CCHA’s most dominant two-way defensemen.
Gustafsson has appeared in 34 games thus far for Northern Michigan. He leads the Wildcats in scoring among blueliners with 28 points (three goals, 25 assists). Gustafsson also leads all CCHA defensemen in scoring. Twenty-two of his 28 points have come in league play.
Gustafsson is a smooth-skating defenseman who has tremendous awareness and hands. And his defensive abilities are equally as good. Though he is small in stature (5’11/208), Gustafsson is strong both with and without the puck. His added strength has made him more difficult to compete against in all three zones.
Last season, Gustafsson earned the CCHA’s Defensive Defenseman of the Year honor as well as an All-America West Team selection. He could potentially repeat both feats again this season.
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