Flyers

UPDATE: Erik Gustafsson is Heading to Russia

By Kyle Scott

Published: May 16th, 2014 · 11:33 AM EDT

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Sort of a strange news bit here:

#Flyers and #teamSweden D Erik Gustafsson signed deal with 'Avangard' of #KHL

— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) May 16, 2014

Can’t really blame Gus. He was seemingly an afterthought with the Flyers even though he was much more able than, say, Hal Gill, who got the Game 5 start against the Rangers in place of Gustasffffassososofososson. He was also fairly skilled, a good skater and could move the puck– all things the Flyers are lacking on defense.

The Flyers will maintain the rights to Gus should he decide to return to North America.

UPDATE: First Hexy GM statement, and it’s delightfully combative: Flyers GM Ron Hextall is aware of the reports regarding Erik Gustafsson but he has not been contacted by the player or his agent.

UPDATE 2: Follow-up statement: I spoke with Erik today and he informed me that he does in fact, have a deal in place to play overseas.  Although we are disappointed in his decision, we wish him all the best.