This.
History with Yzerman or not. I don't see where Gusev would really benefit the Red Wings...
I mean if he hypothetically comes in for the rest of the year and doesn't move the needle or even flat out stinks, he's just taking a roster spot or ice time that, from I understand, is supposed to be entitled to Svechnikov.
But then if he comes in and lights it up and helps the Wings win a few more games than they'd be expected to down the stretch, he:
-Decreased the Wings odds at winning the lottery
-Increases Blashill's odds of getting a new contract
-Increases his odds of cashing in as a UFA and leaving Detroit
-Puts the fanbase in an odd spot where they have to find some way to blame the above three factors on Chris Illitch being cheap
In all reality, the best thing for Gusev at this point would probably be to clear waivers and have the Devils deal him with retention to a contender that stashes him on their taxi squad as depth in hopes that he has some 2010 Ville Leino redemption if they have to call upon him in the playoffs.