TSN is reporting that Jonas Gustavsson has agreed to join the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is 24 and considered the best goaltender outside of the NHL, and is a coup for the rebuilding Maple Leafs. This move allows Gustavsson to prove he belongs in the NHL, and will push incumbent Vesa Toskala to improve on a lackluster (though injured filled) 2008/09 season. Gustavsson’s deal is a 1 year deal with the maximum amount allowable ($810,000), and gives the leafs two goalies who will be heading into free agency next summer.
This should also impact scenario’s with Tomas Kaberle. It was whispered that the Maple Leafs All-Star defencemen was considered in trades for a top goaltending prospect (Schneider in Vancouver, Bernier in LA etc). This should clear the path for Kaberle to be traded to a contending team, for a couple of blue-chip prospects or one stud forward like Kessel.
