- 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.