Former Red Wings D Gustafsson Embraces Griffins Role

The post Former Red Wings D Gustafsson Embraces Griffins Role appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

No matter what you thought about Erik Gustafsson’s time with the Detroit Red Wings, you have to tip your hat in acknowledgement of what he’s doing for the organization this season.

Placed on NHL waivers, shipped to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, Guatafsson could have pouted. His choice might have been to play out the string, wait for his contract to expire, and move on.

That’s not part of his DNA.

He may not be where he wants to be, but Gustafsson’s choice is to embrace his role. The veteran defenseman with 517 NHL games on his resume is leading the Griffins in their pursuit of the Calder Cup.

“Obviously, when I first got down, it took a little time to adjust to being a leader, but it’s fun,” Gustafsson said. “So many skilled guys in here. Great group of guys.

“That makes it much, much easier for me, too.”

Former Red Wings D Showing Griffins How To Get It Done

The majority of players on the Grand Rapids roster are dreaming of being an NHLer. Gustafsson was living that dream for the previous 10 years.

Everyone in the Griffins dressing room looks up to him, leans on him, and learns from him.

“Just his professionalism, the way he goes about his day-to-day habits, the way he prepares for practices, games, his mentality of it all,” Griffins coach Dan Watson said. “I do believe that guys look up to Gus as that’s what it takes to get the NHL, and stay in the NHL for a long time.”

In 39 games for Grand Rapids this season, Gustafsson collected 37 points. He’s also skating in the top defensive pairing alongside Antti Tuomisto.

“It’s awesome to play with him,” Tuomisto said. “He’s a great guy on and off the ice, and he’s probably the most skilled D partner I’ve ever played with.

“Makes stuff a lot easier with the puck. And I try to help him any way I can, and sometimes stay out of the way when he’s doing his stuff.”

It isn’t just the players who are drawing upon Gustafsson’s veteran savvy and hockey IQ.

“Guys are very lucky in that room and even us as coaches,” Watson said. “I mean, he’s had some really good coaches over the years, and we’re crazy not to bounce ideas off of him or have him come and talk to us about things that they’ve done, he’s done in the past, wherever he’s been.

“He’s been a sounding board for us as well.”

Several players on this season’s Griffins roster are hoping to soon be NHLers. Through his play and his leadership, Gustafsson is displaying that he probably should still be an NHLer.

The post Former Red Wings D Gustafsson Embraces Griffins Role appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.