Winnipeg Jets: An Opportunity May Arise for David Gustafsson
Two weeks ago, the Winnipeg Jets announced that they re-signed restricted free agent forward, David Gustafsson to a two-year contract.
The Swedish Forward’s new deal is a two-way contract for this upcoming season and then turns into a one-year deal for the 2023-2024 season.
The now twenty-two-year-old was drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and made an immediate impact off the bat. During the 2019-2020 regular season, Gustafsson appeared in 22 games with the Jets, but he has failed to have the same impact since.
During the 2021 shortened season, Gustafsson only played in four games in the NHL with Winnipeg. Last season, he spent most of his time in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose appearing in 47 games with them and only playing in two NHL games.
Looking at the Jets’ current roster and depth chart for the upcoming season, there may be a great opportunity for Gustafsson to be named to the Jets’ opening night roster and become a mainstay in the Jets lineup.
There could be a great chance for David Gustafsson to have an impact with the Winnipeg Jets during the 2022-2023 season
With Paul Stastny leaving the Jets in free agency and signing with the Carolina Hurricanes, the Jets currently have four centers on their depth chart. Those players include Mark Scheifele, Adam Lowry, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Morgan Barron. There are also a number of players who can feature at both center and wing (Blake Wheeler, Jansen Harkins, Dominic Toninato, and Cole Perfetti).
With a strong training camp and performances in preseason games, there could be an opportunity for Gustafsson to step in and center the Jets’ fourth line.
Gustafsson has shown his leadership with the Manitoba Moose last season and can be a solid two-way centerman. This can give the Jets a fourth line that is tough to play against with the likes of Gustafsson, Harkins, and Toninanto.
It will be interesting to see where new Jets’ head coach, Rick Bowness, slots Gustafsson in during training camp and preseason.
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Upon expiry of his new contract, Gustafsson will again be a restricted free agent during the 2024 offseason.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you predict David Gustafsson will make the Winnipeg Jets roster out of preseason/training camp? Leave your comments below!
