With Adam Fox expected to miss at least a month, the New York Rangers are evaluating the NHL trade market to see whether they can patch the massive hole his absence creates. The team has managed to stay competitive in the short term, but relying solely on internal solutions doesn’t appear to be a sustainable long-term strategy.
One potential option may come from Detroit. Elliotte Friedman suggested on 32 Thoughts that the Red Wings could have a trade chip the Rangers might pursue.
Friedman reported that New York is examining short-term fixes on defense, and veteran Erik Gustafsson stands out as a logical candidate.
Gustafsson, 33, has played only one NHL game for Detroit this season. With young defensemen like Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Simon Edvinsson, and Albert Johansson rising up the depth chart, Gustafsson became the odd man out and was assigned to the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, where he’s been waiting for another NHL chance — one that may not arrive in Detroit.
The Rangers, however, have a need, and they know exactly what Gustafsson can provide. He played 76 games for New York last season, totaling six goals and 31 points, and was trusted as part of the power-play setup. With Fox sidelined, that is precisely the area where the Rangers are seeking reinforcement.
This isn’t an attempt to fully replace Adam Fox — that would be impossible. Instead, the Rangers are searching for a dependable stopgap who can handle minutes and manage the second power-play unit until their top defenseman is back. For New York, a reunion with Gustafsson would be simple and inexpensive, especially since he already understands their system.
From Detroit’s perspective, dealing Gustafsson would free up cap space and likely bring back a late-round draft pick or a lower-tier prospect.