The Career of Jonas Gustavsson

by Jonathan Willis on Apr 23, 2009 11:37 AM MDT

In Kevin Prendergast's hour long interview with Dean Millard and Guy Flaming of The Pipeline Show, one of the names that came up was Jonas Gustavsson's. Gustavsson is one (if not the) biggest name in this year's crop of undrafted European players.

He's 24 years old, stands 6'3", posted incredible numbers in the regular season and then bested them in the playoffs en route to winning the league championship over HV71 in five games. He's also most definitely a player of interest for the Edmonton Oilers. Here are his numbers in the Elitserien and Allsvenskan (the best and 2nd best Swedish leagues) over his career:

2003-04 - Allsvenskan: 1GP, 2.95 GAA, .889 SV%
2005-06 - Allsvenskan: 6GP, 2.39 GAA, .930 SV%
2006-07 - Allsvenskan: 23GP, 2.79 GAA, .908 SV%
2007-08 - Elitserien: 20GP, 2.40 GAA, .919 SV%
2008-09 - Elitserien: 42GP, 1.96 GAA, .932 SV%

In thirteen playoff games, Gustavsson posted a 1.03 GAA and .961 SV%; elite numbers in any league. The worry here, obviously, is that he hasn't had prolonged success, but then again he is still awfully young. The question that needs asking is what role Gustavsson would be asked to fill - Dwayne Roloson's or Jeff Deslauriers'? I'm not at all a fan of Gustavsson/Deslauriers as the tandem out of the gate, but I'd be very happy to see Gustavsson play as a 1A/1B goaltender with a reliable partner. This isn't an opportunity the Oilers should pass on; certainly not for the sake of Jeff Deslauriers' potential.

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What does it take to get him? It would be a bidding war. 2.5+ million at least.

I’d rather they leave Roli make a pitch for Gustavsson or Clemmenson. Goalies like to be starters and thats decent leverage for the Oilers.

by puckdonkey on Apr 23, 2009 12:35 PM MDT reply actions

As long as at the end of the day they have less than 5MM committed to net, and have two guys who might be able to handle it. I’m surprised the Oilers are interested though; the way I see it Gustavsson means no Deslauriers or a 3-goalie system again.

It's only my opinion, but it's right.

Writer for The Copper & Blue, OilersNation, and CanucksArmy.

by Jonathan Willis on Apr 23, 2009 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions

Rich owner

This is a case where a rich owner should say “Do what it takes” and then use the AHL is things go poorly.

by Derek Zona on Apr 23, 2009 2:29 PM MDT reply actions

This.

Katz should be digging in his pockets to entice this guy to come over.

by Discipline on Apr 23, 2009 4:22 PM MDT up reply actions

Unless I’m mistaken there can’t be any bidding war for Gustavsson as he would still be limited by the entry-level player deal, at least for one year. You can offer max entry level salary and bonuses, but that’s about it. Gustavsson’s situation would be similar to Brunnstrom’s a year ago where he signed a two-year entry level deal.

by Smytty777 on Apr 23, 2009 4:35 PM MDT reply actions

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Northwest Standings

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(updated 2.4.2012 at 4:07 PM MST)

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Calgary Matchsticks and Gasoline	Sat 01/21	L 2 - 6