Blackhawks: Three trade partners for Erik Gustafsson

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders used to be one of the worst defensive teams in the entire National Hockey League. That was true until they hired Barry Trotz to be their head coach following his Stanley Cup Championship with the Washington Capitals. He has completely turned that narrative around as the New York Islanders are one of the best defensive teams in the league.

That is why Erik Gustaffson might not fit on a team better than he would with the Islanders. They play a style of game that would see Gustafsson in the proper position at almost all times. They beat teams by playing a sound team game and pouncing on other team’s mistakes. They also do work on the power-play when they are given the chance. The man advantage is where Gustaffson shines so he would go there and probably be great.

With some of the players and coaching that New York has to their advantage, they would love to add Gustafsson to the mix. He brings an offensive flare from the back end that they don’t really have. He would step in and be a threat from the back end while their systems protect him from being a liability defensively.

The Blackhawks might be willing to trade Gustaffson right now as his value may never be higher. He would fit in nicely with these three teams. They would all take him in and be able to utilize his strengths while masking his weaknesses better than the Blackhawks are able to.