Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Florida Panthers free agents to steal

Nikita Gusev might fit in rather nicely with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021-22.

Nikita Gusev’s 2020-21 season has been very interesting. He finally came over to North America in 2019-20 after the Vegas Golden Knights traded his rights to the New Jersey Devils where they then signed him. He was one of their very best players through that season and a lot of people had high hopes for him coming into 2020-21. He didn’t return from the pandemic playing very well, however. Things were clearly not clicking for him in New Jersey anymore.

The Devils cut him and he was free to sign with whoever he wanted. He eventually landed with the Florida Panthers and he seemed to fit in there much better. In 20 games with New Jersey, he had two goals and three assists for five points. He had the same totals in every category with Florida but in 11 games. It might be the system in New Jersey that failed him but he is certainly a highly skilled player.

If the Hawks wanted to take a chance on a left-wing for cheap in 2021-22, Nikita Gusev is someone to consider. He has a lot of skills in the offensive zone and could take advantage of the up and down system that Jeremy Colliton runs. It would also be fun to see what he can do if he played on a power play with someone like Patrick Kane. Gusev is certainly someone to consider if he decides he wants to stick around in the NHL.