Blackhawks Ready To Trade Erik Gustafsson?

The Chicago Blackhawks and general manager Stan Bowman had a busy summer as they revamped the team's blueline. Calvin de Haan and Olli Maatta have joined the team in hopes of making the blueline more efficient. All the movement combined with the Blackhawks depth in the prospect system when it comes to defensemen means somebody could be on their way out. That someone could likely be Erik Gustafsson who will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic suggests it'll be an easy decision to move Gustafsson if the Hawks are out of the playoff race by the trade deadline. With Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner all needing new contracts next summer, it's unlikely the Hawks will be able to afford him.