Jonas Gustavsson Passes On Edmonton; Leafs May Be Front-Runners

by Jonathan Willis on Jun 13, 2009 3:00 AM MDT

Gustavsson is a highly-touted prospect who was never drafted. Now 24, he had been pursued by multiple NHL clubs, including the Edmonton Oilers.

I had a look at Gustavsson's career-to-date which can be found here; suffice to say that there are many good reasons for NHL teams to be ardent in their pursuit of the big Swede. At the time I said the Oilers should push for him, even dumping Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers if neccessary. Unfortunately, back in early May a report came out which stated that Gustavsson had narrowed his choice to one of four teams: Dallas, Colorado, San Jose and Toronto.

That report has been confirmed, as Gustavsson's agent (Joe Resnick) stated today that his client would visit those four teams (a move reminiscent of Fabian Brunnstrom's North American tour last summer). Colorado is most obviously in need of a starter, but Toronto would appear to have the inside track, as Resnick stated that their recent hiring of Francois Allaire would work in their favour. Brian Burke has a good track record with European goaltenders, and his last undrafted find (Jonas Hiller) worked out pretty well for him.

For the life of me though, I can't figure out how Dallas - with virtually no cap space and an established starter - got ahead of Edmonton on that list. It makes me wonder how aggressive the Oilers' pursuit was, and it also makes me wonder if they're satisfied with Deslauriers as the team's #2.

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Goaltending

There are plenty of tenders available and no reason to give a bigger contract to an unproven guy.

This really is the one position where Tambellini should fine two guys to outplay their contracts this summer.

by Derek Zona on Jun 13, 2009 7:16 AM MDT reply actions

Gustavsson’s numbers don’t really impress me. True, this past season he was lights out, but other than that, not much. His .930 save % was only in 6 games and the others were shorter stints as well but it mirrors many AHL tenders and the AHL, IMO, would be a tougher league. I would prefer to have seen 2 full seasons with great numbers.

Toronto will over pay him and I think he won’t end up being any better than average at best. Even though Peeters is gone, I agreed with him fully that a goaline needs to gave back to back good/great seasons to prove tht is the level he is at.

Question Jon, I assume that even though he is undrafted, he still falls into the same max rookie contract price. With bonuses he would max out at about 2.5 mill a year?

I bet Toronto gives him a 1 way, 3 year deal at rookie max and Toskola will play a majority of the games.

Too many goalies for much less that are likely even better.

by toprightcorner on Jun 13, 2009 2:07 PM MDT reply actions

Although if he’s a backup tender he probably won’t reach his bonuses, so he’ll be in the 1-1.5 MM range I’d guess. And of course the problem is that his contract would be a paying for potential situation.

But the thing is that if he doesn’t work out he could get knocked down to the minors (2-way deal) and then he wouldn’t cost much at all. It doesn’t seem like a great risk if he doesn’t pan out.

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

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

by Jonathan Willis on Jun 13, 2009 6:14 PM MDT up reply actions

I totally agree, if you can get him on a 2 way deal.

Do you think some of the upper tier Europeans are likely to hold out for one way deals because of the money they can get in Europe? Omark was one and I think I heard of a few others. If so, I could see an a Burke giving him the one-way.

by toprightcorner on Jun 14, 2009 9:53 PM MDT up reply actions

I Don't Think He Gets A Choice

All Entry Level contracts have to be two-way deals; at least, that’s how I understand the CBA.

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

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

by Jonathan Willis on Jun 14, 2009 11:19 PM MDT up reply actions

The reason why Dallas (of all teams) is still in the running

Nieuwendyk stated that Les Jackson formed a close relationship with Gustavsson. Also, Brunnstrom is good friends with Gustavsson, as well as Stars Swedish scout Johan Garpenlov.

I'm a happy seal

by SwisherThresher on Jun 13, 2009 6:16 PM MDT reply actions

Cool!

Thanks for that; I was wondering what was up.

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

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

by Jonathan Willis on Jun 13, 2009 6:28 PM MDT up reply actions

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