Jonas Gustavsson is a Maple Leaf

When training camp opens its doors in September one unproven player who will have every move scrutinized by the Toronto media and fans will be Swedish sensation Jonas Gustavsson who is considered the best goalie outside of the NHL. This 24 year-old free agent who was being courted earlier this off-season by the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs recently inked a one year deal with the Leafs for $810,000 dollars and a signing bonus worth $90.000. This 6 foot 3 181- pound goalie that goes by the nickname “The Monster” flourished for his team Farjestad (In Swedish elite league) in posting a GAA of 1.96 and a remarkable save percentage of .932. Gustavsson who led his team to the league championship this spring is slated to be the backup for Vesa Toskala. “I want to thank Brian Burke and his staff for giving me the opportunity to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Gustavsson who is expected to give Toskala who is coming off a sub par season some competition. “It is truly an honor and privilege and I feel very fortunate to wear the Blue and White sweater. Toronto is a great city, with tremendous fan support, and I’m very excited about the future.” Leafs GM Brian Burke was up front with Gustavsson in telling him that the chances of him taking over the number one job from Toskala in training camp is nil. Burke also said that it’s important for Gustavsson to impress at camp, which will determine how many games he’ll see this year. “He’s not coming in trying to unseat a guy who has been here a long time, has a long-terms contract and has had a lot of success,” said Burke. “That being said, we were frank with Jonas that we feel Vesa is going to have a big-time, bounce back year now that he’s healthy.” “Don’t think you’re going to walk in here and knock this kid (Toskala) out of the net. You’re going to have to do something to do that.” You can bet that every single fan will be watching this fall to see how he stands up to the rigors of NHL shooters.