Erik Gustafsson’s departure from the New York Rangers flew under the radar.
Gustafsson played just one season for the Rangers during the 2023-24 campaign, recording six goals, 25 assists, and 31 points while averaging 17:24 minutes.
For whatever reason, the Rangers elected not to re-signe Gustafsson and he ultimately made his way to the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year contract.
“It was sad he couldn’t stay,” Mika Zibanejad said about Gustafsson’s departure.
Even after a full year away from the Rangers organization, Gustafsson still thinks about his time in New York fondly.
“It’s a hell of a city,” Gustafsson said about New York. “Always fun to play in The Garden. Obviously, we had a great team, great run. Unfortunately, it ended in the Conference Final, but I have good memories from there. We loved where we loved up in Greenwich, Connecticut. I really loved the time I played there.”
The 33-year-old defenseman is in Stockholm, Sweden playing at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship where he is reunited with his former teammate Zibanejad.
During his one year in New York, Gustafsson and Zibanejad grew a strong bond both being from a Swedish background and their relationship grew far beyond just the ice.
“Both of our wives know each other from the beginning,” Gustafsson said. “They have kids, we have kids. We hung around them a lot in New York, it was a lot of fun.
“It’s also fun to be back in Stockholm playing at home in front of my friends and family and in front of his friends and family. It’s good to see his wife and kids too.”
Gustafsson’s decision to play at the World Championship stemmed from his desire to be back in his home country of Sweden and end the season on a high note.
Toward the end of the 2024-25 season, Gustafsson broke his foot which kept him out for the remainder of the year.
He has since made a full recovery and was eager to get these much-needed game reps before a long summer ahead.
“I broke my foot four weeks before the season was over, so I kind of wanted to come back,” Gustafsson said. “I just wanted to end it on a good note, play the last games of the season. Also being back home in Avicii Arena here, in front of our fans and family, it was an easy decision. I always want to play for the Swedish National Team.”
