You guys all have to be kidding me. Other teams are only aware of Gustavsson because the Leafs failed to keep it under wraps? Is this what I'm gathering?
You're either giving the Leafs too much credit for discovering some complete unknown diamond in the rough (not the case), or you're wildly, and I mean wildly, underestimating the ability of other clubs to moniter professional leagues in Europe (actually the case).
For gods sake the guy had 5 shutouts in the playoffs in the SEL. That doesn't go unnoticed. This is no failure by the Leafs, for crying out loud. If anything, so far, so good, as he has narrowed down his choices from say two dozen teams and the Leafs appear to still be a strong option for him.
Christ, there were threads on this very board six months ago about him. If you think we noticed him and NHL scouting staffs didn't, I don't know what to tell you.
Honestly...
thanks Squiffy. you probably saved me from getting a warning for saying basically the same thing...
Dallas and Toronto would give him the most opportunity to play right away. In Detroit, he'd be in the AHL forever since they already have Howard ahead of him. However, because of Detroit's reputation, he may still sign with them.
But definitely, he could be thrust into a #1 role on the Leafs next year.
Dallas and Toronto would give him the most opportunity to play right away. In Detroit, he'd be in the AHL forever since they already have Howard ahead of him.
His style reminds me so much of Lundqvist mane. Gustavvson might be a playoff caliber goalie. He looked real solid in this tournament. Git him too. Pay up.
This team will be so stacked up next season and full of promising men, and winners. Cool. As ice.
And i don't think Burke goes after Giguere. His makes too much and is too big of a question mark.
I think (one way or another) you'll see Burke sign a goalie from Europe or Russia. If we miss out on Gustavsson, look for him to target Alexander Salak.
you mus tlike this salak guy, you also signed him in the one mockdraft lol
I heard Gustavsson's agent on Hockey Central at noon yesterday. He said that over 20 teams have shown interest and that two of Gustavsson's criteria for selecting a team will be:
1) Opportunity to play regularly - the Leafs definitely meet this criteria.
2) To be in a position where he can succeed - not sure if this bodes well for the Leafs given they allowed the most goals against in the NHL and fans have a history of getting on their goalies.
Burkie has his work cut out for him but he has always been a good salesman. I'm guessing teams like Colorado, Detroit, Philly will also be in the running. Money shouldn't be that much of a factor as it is my understanding that he is subject to an entry level contract.
I heard Gustavsson's agent on Hockey Central at noon yesterday. He said that over 20 teams have shown interest and that two of Gustavsson's criteria for selecting a team will be:
1) Opportunity to play regularly - the Leafs definitely meet this criteria.
2) To be in a position where he can succeed - not sure if this bodes well for the Leafs given they allowed the most goals against in the NHL and fans have a history of getting on their goalies.
Burkie has his work cut out for him but he has always been a good salesman. I'm guessing teams like Colorado, Detroit, Philly will also be in the running. Money shouldn't be that much of a factor as it is my understanding that he is subject to an entry level contract.
The Opportunity to play regularly would have to be a must, teams like the leafs and Avs or LA would be his best bet for ice time, but unfortunatley none of those teams would give him the chance to be in a position where he can succeed. IMO Toronto would be the best bet from that list. Our defense wasn't all that bad last year. We averaged something like 25 shots against per game. Our biggest problem was Cujo and Toskala, they made our D look much weaker than it was.
Kaberle - Kubina
White - Schenn
Finger - Stralman/MVR
I heard Gustavsson's agent on Hockey Central at noon yesterday. He said that over 20 teams have shown interest and that two of Gustavsson's criteria for selecting a team will be:
1) Opportunity to play regularly - the Leafs definitely meet this criteria.
2) To be in a position where he can succeed - not sure if this bodes well for the Leafs given they allowed the most goals against in the NHL and fans have a history of getting on their goalies.
Burkie has his work cut out for him but he has always been a good salesman. I'm guessing teams like Colorado, Detroit, Philly will also be in the running. Money shouldn't be that much of a factor as it is my understanding that he is subject to an entry level contract.
Number 2 on your list is the reason why I have a feeling he will sign elsewhere.. For a goalie joining the weakest defensive team in the NHL has to be a concern that crosses his mind. If he is looking for the best opportunity to succeed Toronto is not the place for him. Leafs haven't given up this many goals against in the last 18 years as they did last season.
Add to that either or both vet dmen Kaberle and Kubina could be gone as well since they have NTC trade windows opening, and a new GM in TO with a desire to turnover the roster and make it his own, and bring in more younger inexperience players to play in front of the goalie.
All he has to do is ask fellow countryman Tellqvist how he enjoyed his stay in Toronto, and how forgiving the ACC crowd is. He took the same route as successful SEL and World Championship, but had not choice of teams being Leaf drafted. Heck young Pogge who was only playing his first few NHL games got the gears from the angry ACC mob this season for his performance and Gustavsson is his age and similarly just starting out.
Is this really the best choice for a young UFA rookie goalie to walk into to try and start his NHL career?.
I will be pleasantly surprised if he picks the Leafs, and not shocked either if he is back in the SEL within a few season after a rather regrettable and forgettable experience for him.
All he has to do is ask fellow countryman Tellqvist how he enjoyed his stay in Toronto, and how forgiving the ACC crowd is. He took the same route as successful SEL and World Championship, but had not choice of teams being Leaf drafted. Heck young Pogge who was only playing his first few NHL games got the gears from the angry ACC mob this season for his performance and Gustavsson is his age and similarly just starting out.
Is this really the best choice for a young UFA rookie goalie to walk into to try and start his NHL career?.
I will be pleasantly surprised if he picks the Leafs, and not shocked either if he is back in the SEL within a few season after a rather regrettable and forgettable experience for him.
If a Goalie (or any player for that matter) cant handle the scrutiny or pressure of playing for the Leafs then we dont want him anyway.
The Leafs need players who want the pressure that comes with being a Leaf, players that will thrive under the media and fan pressure. We need more Luke Schenn's and fewer Kyle Wellwood's.
Hopefully Gustavsson is one of those guys who wants the challenge and we get him, and if he isn't it wouldn't have worked anyway.
If a Goalie (or any player for that matter) cant handle the scrutiny or pressure of playing for the Leafs then we dont want him anyway.
The Leafs need players who want the pressure that comes with being a Leaf, players that will thrive under the media and fan pressure. We need more Luke Schenn's and fewer Kyle Wellwood's.
Hopefully Gustavsson is one of those guys who wants the challenge and we get him, and if he isn't it wouldn't have worked anyway.
Your point is valid, however there is a distinguishable difference between the potential impact and mindset of a seasoned NHL Vet goaltender having already proven himself successful in the NHL and a raw rookie trying to break in a start a career.
Sure when talking Belfour or Cujo in the past, brought in as UFA players to help turn the team around is one thing, but I highly doubt Justin Pogge is sitting there thinking, man I have to get back up to the NHL and turn those Leafs around. Gustavsson is a lot closer at this point in his career to being in Pogge's situation, and may even end up on the Marlies then he is to Cujo.
I'm not surprised in hear Vancouver is a recent contestant in the race for his services .. They play a sound defensive game, they have several of his countryman to ease in help of transition. Most importantly he can learn and be mentored by one of the NHL's best in Luongo.
Number 2 on your list is the reason why I have a feeling he will sign elsewhere.. For a goalie joining the weakest defensive team in the NHL has to be a concern that crosses his mind. If he is looking for the best opportunity to succeed Toronto is not the place for him. Leafs haven't given up this many goals against in the last 18 years as they did last season.
Your entire assessment of their defensive ability is goals against?
So if we had Craig Anderson or Tomas Vokoun, we'd have one of the better defensive teams in the league?
It was just said on HNIC that Monster is choosing either Toronto, Vancouver, Dallas and another team. Why would he choose either of Dallas or Vancouver with Turco and especially Luongo there? Friends with Fabian and the Sedins? Looks like Toronto is the obvious choice where he can step in and be the number 1. If I were him I would go to Detroit. It is already team Sweden there and Detroit needs a good young goalie.
Highly touted Swedish goalie Jonas Gustavsson, who has earned the nickname "The Monster" for his performance this season with five shutouts in 13 games for Farjestad, will decide in the next couple of weeks where he's going to play next season. Though the Leafs are considered the front-runner to land the unrestricted free agent netminder, the word is the Oilers, Canucks and Kings have all held talks with Gustavsson's agent.
