The Winnipeg Jets have signed one of their top draft picks, inking David Gustafsson to a three-year entry-level contract. Gustafsson was picked in the second round last June, and played this season with HV71 in the SHL.
Still just 19 years old, Gustafsson has nevertheless impressed over his two seasons at the highest level in Sweden. His offensive ceiling has never been extremely high given his lack of real playmaking ability, but his game is already well suited to the North American professional ranks in a checking center role. Even at a young age, Gustafsson can be relied on in his own end and through the neutral zone in transition, despite relatively average skating ability.
He’s not going to be the next Mark Scheifele (probably, anyway), but there’s no reason to think that Gustafsson won’t be able to compete for the Jets down the road. His professional experience at such a young age is invaluable, and he will likely be able to step right into the Manitoba Moose lineup next season if that’s where Winnipeg wants him to take his next step.