Gustafsson 'out a few weeks' with shoulder injury
Erik Gustafsson - one of the last defensemen to be cut during Chicago Blackhawks training camp - suffered a shoulder injury during Rockford's overtime loss to Iowa on Friday.
Gustafsson will "be out a few weeks," according to coach Jeremy Colliton. It's a big loss for Rockford because the 25-year-old Swede had really picked up his game this season.
"He's been very good for two months now," Colliton said before Rockford lost 4-3 to the Chicago Wolves on Saturday. "Really have liked the development in his game."
Gustafsson played 41 games for the Blackhawks during the 2015-16 season but has spent the last year-plus in Rockford. Colliton said Gustafsson, who possesses plenty of offensive skill, has greatly improved how he plays in his own zone.
"He's defending really well, really hard," Colliton said. "He's got skill - everyone can see that. He's good on the power play; he makes plays that not every player can make. …
"He's been our best guy defending the rush. (He's) using his skating to have a real tight gap and he's hard to play against."
Gustafsson has 3 goals and 8 assists in 18 games this season.