Image: N. Michigan Univ.
Erik Gustafsson
| Birthday: 1988-12-15 | Position: D |
| Eligible for draft: 2006 | Shoots: Left |
| Drafted: | Height: 5-11 |
| Acquired: Free agent signing, 2010 | Weight: 195 lbs. |
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Philadelphia Flyers 2013 draft preview Photo: Center Sean Couturier was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers eighth overall in 2011. (courtesy of Bill Streicher/Icon SMI) A disappointing 2012-13 season for the Flyers has left an awkward situation in Philadelphia heading into the offseason. The struggles of the team seem to go hand-in-hand with the struggles of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. Meanwhile, former Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky recently won a Vezina Trophy with the Columbus Blue Jackets, less than a year removed from being traded out of Philadelphia. Erik Gustafsson leads Philadelphia Flyers HF prospect awards Photo: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Oliver Lauridsen had a solid showing in his 15-game call-up to the NHL this season. (courtesy of Jerome Davis/Icon SMI) The prospect pool for the Philadelphia Flyers is consistently one of the more diminished gatherings of young talent every year, but they rarely miss on top-end talent when given the opportunity to acquire it. Because of their lack of picks and their aggressive style of team-building, it is far more important for the organization to consistently hit on their high draft picks as well as attract some of the better free agent prospects on the market every year. Scott Laughton remains top prospect for Philadelphia Flyers Photo: Center Scott Laughton is currently the only Philadelphia Flyers prospect to have been drafted in the first round. (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images) While the Philadelphia Flyers have not had the most dazzling prospect pool in recent NHL memory, they have had a steady amount of success from the top of their ranks. While consistently trading away first and second round picks does not provide the steadiest foundation from which to build an organization, the Flyers have had almost astonishing success making trades for high-end players who are just hitting their developmental stride. Edmonton Oilers maintain a skilled, balanced pipeline in Top 20 update Photo: Nail Yakupov, shown here celebrating a late game-tying goal against Los Angeles in January, takes over the top spot in the Oilers mid-season Top 20 ranking (courtesy of Chris Austin/Icon SMI) AHL affiliate for Philadelphia Flyers amid trying 2012-13 season Photo: Forward Tye McGinn has been one of the more pleasant surprises for the Philadelphia Flyers this season. McGinn has played in 16 NHL games with the Flyers. (courtesy of Nick Turchiaro/Icon SMI) The Phantoms' franchise, even before it moved to Glens Falls to become the Adirondack Phantoms, has been in a state of struggle underneath a successful NHL franchise. This comes despite a large amount of success from drafted prospects. The Phantoms have not really been successful since winning the Calder Cup during the NHL lockout year of 2004-05. Two early exits from the postseason over the course of what will be seven seasons of hockey does not suggest a steady foundation of prospects on which to build an NHL franchise. |
