Playing career Weight 82 kg NHL Draft Undrafted Height 1.78 m | Shoots Left Name Erik Gustafsson Salary 1 million USD (2014) | |
NLA teamFormer teams Kloten FlyersPhiladelphia FlyersAvangard Omsk Similar People Claude Giroux, Paul Holmgren, Ron Hextall, Dave Hakstol, Craig Berube | ||
Erik Gustafsson (born 15 December 1988) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Playing career
Gustafsson played in the youth ranks of Timrå IK before enrolling at Northern Michigan University in 2007. He spent three years in college, before signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on 31 March 2010. Gustafsson made his NHL debut on 26 February 2011, against the Ottawa Senators, subbing for Chris Pronger, who was out with a bruised right hand.
Gustafsson scored his first career NHL goal against Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres on 16 February 2012.
Following the 2013–14 NHL season, Gustafsson signed with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. In the 2014–15 season, Gustafsson immediately established himself amongst the blueline with Omsk, finishing second among defenseman with 22 points in 56 games.
Despite early interest in the off-season from the NHL, on 17 July 2015, Gustafsson left Omsk as a free agent to sign a one-year contract with Swiss club, Kloten Flyers of the NLA. After one year in Switzerland, he returned to Avangard Omsk, signing in May 2016.