5 Reasons Maple Leafs Erik Gustafsson Is a Great Power-Play Add

On Thursday night against the Florida Panthers, the Maple Leafs rested defenseman Morgan Rielly. In his place Gustafsson ran the first-unit power play. He did well enough that today there was some talk about whether Gustafsson should continue to run the power play.

Maple Leafs’ Fans Have Learned that Gustafsson Is a Good Defenseman

Erik Gustafsson is showing himself to be a good defenseman, despite some of his limitations on defense. First, we learned that he has a strong offensive skill set that can contribute to the power play. He has consistently put up points throughout his career, including a 60-point season as a defenseman.

On the offensive side of the play, his confidence on the ice allows him to make quick decisions and move the puck effectively. He has one move that is a pump fake and step-in play that often fools opposing wingers.

Additionally, Gustafsson has a good touch with the puck. He’s able to settle it quickly, which allows him to make crisp passes and move the puck up the ice efficiently. Although he might not be the strongest defensively, he brings a different skill set to the table than Morgan Reilly, who tends to be more deliberate in his decision-making.

Overall, Gustafsson’s offensive abilities and confidence on the ice make him a valuable asset to the Maple Leafs’ defensive corps, particularly on the power play. While he won’t displace Reilly as the top defenseman on the team, his contributions are still significant. These have maee him a good addition to the team’s roster.

Examining What Gustafsson Adds to the Maple Leafs Powerplay

In the following video, Justin Bourne and Brent Gunning discuss how Maple Leafs’ Erik Gustafsson played on the power play against the Panthers. They also discuss whether he should stay on the Maple Leafs’ number one power-play unit.

Five Reasons Gustafsson Is a Solid Power-Play Addition

During the conversation, Bourne and Gunning highlight five different reasons why they believe Gustafsson is a good defenseman:

Reason One: Gustafsson has a trong offensive skill set and ability to contribute to the power play.

Reason Two: Gustafsson is confident on the ice, which allows him to make quick decisions and move the puck effectively.

Reason Three: Gustafsson has good touch with the puck and the ability to settle it quickly, allowing him to make crisp passes and move the puck up the ice efficiently.

Reason Four: Gustafsson has a different skill set than Morgan Reilly, bringing a more decisive style of play.

Reason Five: Gustafsson has had consistent point production throughout his career, demonstrating his offensive prowess as a defenseman.

In Summary

In summary, Gustafsson is a good defenseman because he has a his strong offensive skill set. He also has the ability to contribute to the power play, as well as his confidence on the ice, good touch with the puck, and consistent point production.

What makes him an added value is that he also brings a different skill set than Reilly. He is far more decisive in his style of play.