Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman will have to “wowed” to trade defenseman Erik Gustafsson, reports Scott Powers of The Athletic.
Gustafsson has showcased his offensive game with eight goals and 30 points in 48 games during his first full NHL season. The 26-year-old has played a key role on the Blackhawks’ resurgent power play, scoring eight points on the man advantage since Christmas.
Gustafsson’s 50.8 Corsi For percentage this season ranks second on the team among blue liners with at least 30 games played. However, he’s been touted as a possible trade candidate given his poor defensive play and what the Blackhawks could receive in return from a team looking for an offensive spark on the blue line before the NHL’s trade deadline on Monday, Feb. 25.
The Blackhawks signed the 26-year-old to a two-year contract with a $1.2 million salary cap hit last March.