The Detroit Red Wings’ problematic power play took a significant step last season, cracking the top 10 (ninth) for the first time since 2014-15.

It’ll be a challenge not to regress, after losing 74 power-play points with the departures of Shayne Gostisbehere, David Perron, Daniel Sprong, Robby Fabbri and Jake Walman.

Vladimir Tarasenko, Jonatan Berggren and improvement from within will help compensate, as will Erik Gustafsson.

A well-traveled, eight-year NHL defenseman, Gustafsson will replace Gostisbehere on one of the power-play units after signing a two-year, $4 million contract on July 1.

He’s not as dynamic offensively but figures to be a defensive upgrade.

Gostisbehere’s 29 power-play points (two goals, 27 assists) were the most for a Detroit defenseman since Nicklas Lidstrom’s 32 in 2010-11.

Gustafsson, who grew up in Sweden a Lidstrom fan, has only six career power-play goals and none since 2019-20, but has 32 assists on the man-advantage over the past four years.

“I have been playing power play ever since I came over (to the NHL),” Gustafsson said. “It’s something I like to do and something my game is. I like to run it and try to give the puck to the forwards to shoot, create lanes. I feel very confident playing on the power play. Hopefully, I can get an opportunity.”

Gustafsson gives the team a left-shot option at the point to complement the right-shooting Moritz Seider on the other power-play unit.

Patrick Kane, Gustafsson’s teammate in Chicago for five seasons, including 2018-19, when Gustavsson produced a career-best 17 goals and 60 points, said the now 32-year-old was a key component of their power play.

“He was so deceptive up top, really knows how to run the top, maybe as good as anyone I played with,” Kane said. “Obviously, (Adam) Fox (of the New York Rangers) is special, and I think Mo (Seider) does a good job as well.”

Kane added, “(Gustafsson) is a really, really good hockey player, great offensively, makes a lot of good passes, a lot of good plays, and I know he’s been really working on his defensive game, and he’s strong in that area, too.”

General manager Steve Yzerman noted Gustafsson’s ability to play on the right side, like Gostisbehere. That might prompt the club to pair him with Olli Maatta.

“I don’t know what the D-pairings are ultimately going to be,” Yzerman said. “I have my own vision, but Derek (coach Lalonde) will decide that. These real mobile D with puck skills can go on either side.”

The Red Wings are Gustafsson’s eighth NHL team. He’s been through the free agency process many times.

“I knew kind of which team was interested to sign me before, but obviously when the day hits it’s a little nerve-wracking,” Gustafsson said. “I’m very happy to be signed in Detroit, with all the history, all the Swedes going there. I’ve been talking to (Niklas) Kronwall, too. It’s fun to be part of this team.

“They just missed the playoffs, but I think with the skill and the group we have we can take another step this year.”

In addition to playing with Kane and Alex DeBrincat in Chicago, Gustafsson was teammates with Ben Chiarot and Jeff Petry in Montreal, Justin Holl in Toronto and Cam Talbot in Calgary.

“It’s been a lot of teams, but it’s always fun to get an opportunity on a new team, an Original Six team,” Gustafsson said. “I always looked forward to playing in Detroit because of the fanbase and stuff. It’s always a challenge to come in as a new guy, but I’m very excited for this year and this opportunity.”