Erik Gustafsson signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.
"Very excited to join a great team like Philadelphia," Gustafsson said Tuesday. "The Flyers are one of the best teams in the league. I think the team they have right now is a tough team to play against. ... With all the forwards and defensemen we have, and the goaltending too, I think this was the best fit for me to be part of. I like how they are playing. I like where the team is going. I think we can have a fun season whenever it's starting. That's why I chose to play with the Flyers."
The 28-year-old defenseman was an unrestricted free agent. He scored 29 points (six goals, 23 assists) in 66 games with the Calgary Flames and Chicago Blackhawks last season, including three assists in seven games after he was traded to Calgary on Feb. 24, and had four assists in 10 postseason games.
"I'm an offensive guy," Gustafsson said. "I like to join the rush and play the power play. What I have to learn and be better at is my defensive part of my game. I think I have taken a step from last year. I think I have taken a step even when I was with Calgary and in the playoffs. If I can come in and play like I did last couple games in the playoffs, it's going to be a fun season for me and the team. I'm going to do everything I can to help the team win."
Gustafsson, who is in Sweden, said he knows a few players on the Flyers.
"Oskar [Lindblom], and [Robert] Hagg too," he said. "I'm actually practicing with Hagg right now back home here. Both of them are two very good guys that I know. I'm looking forward to playing with them."
Selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (No. 93) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Gustafsson has scored 119 points (28 goals, 91 assists) in 221 regular-season games with the Flames and Blackhawks. He has five assists in 15 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
