Leafs' Crease Beasts: Can Toskala Return to Form? Is Gustavsson a Monster?

The Leafs' Crease Beasts: Can Vesa Toskala Return To Form? Is Jonas Gustavsson Really a Monster?

When Brian Burke took over the position of general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he dreamed of a solid future between the pipes for Vesa Toskala and prospect Justin Pogge.

Fast forward to today and reality is very different from the dreams.

When Toskala came over from the San Jose Sharks in 2007, he was supposed to answer any questions the Leafs had in between the pipes. After splitting the duties with Evgeni Nabokov in San Jose for many years, Toskala put together a 33-25-6 record in 2007-08 as the Leafs No. 1 goaltender.

This led many to believe that Toskala was indeed ready to be the No. 1 goaltender for years to come.

Toskala took a step back in 2008-09. His GAA skyrocketed to 3.26 from 2.74 in 2007-08, his save percentage dipped to a career low of .891 and his play was criticized for much of the season.

Had Toskala lost his touch?

The answer came in March 2009 when Leafs GM Brian Burke shut Toskala down and acquired former Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber to take his place between the pipes. It was revealed that Toskala had been playing hurt throughout the season and would require surgery.

Toskala underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in the offseason. The surgery is thought to have been a success and Toskala is expected to start the season on schedule and resume the Leafs No. 1 goaltending status.

There will be many questions surrounding Toskala throughout training camp, and one can expect the media and fans alike will scrutinize the veteran's every move. Lurking in the background will be Brian Burke’s prized off-season acquisition, Jonas “The Monster” Gustavsson.

The 24 year old spent last season with Farjestads BK of the Swedish Elite League, where he posted a 1.96 GAA and a .932 save percentage in the regular season. He was even better in the playoffs posting superhuman numbers: a 1.03 GAA, a save percentage of .961 and five shutouts in 13 games.

Fact is, Gustavsson only allowed 14 goals in 13 playoff games, good enough to lead Farjestads to the league title.

Clearly, Gustavsson is a blue-chip prospect, but like every prospect, he will be viewed with caution until he can prove he can handle NHL calibre shooters. It’s one thing to be an All-Star in the SEL, but stopping the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Pavol Datsyuk on a nightly basis is a whole other story.

The Leafs added legendary goaltending coach Francois Allaire this offseason. He has worked with Patrick Roy and J.S. Giguere in the past and is considered to be one of the best at his craft.

Allaire’s skills should go a long way into making Gustavsson a legitimate NHL goaltender and he should be able to right the ship where Toskala is concerned. Allaire’s signing was probably Burke’s best work in the offseason, his credentials speak for themselves, he is, for the lack of a better word, a “winner.”

Recently, there have been rumblings that the Leafs are looking at trading current Toronto Marlies' starting goaltender Justin Pogge. I say, not so fast Mr. Burke.

If Allaire can work his magic and turn around the fledgling Pogge, suddenly, the Maple Leafs future between the pipes will be very bright indeed. Patience must be exercised here, it's in Burke’s best interest to give Allaire a shot at turning around Pogge’s career. He was once highly regarded, perhaps, with Allaire’s assistance, he can turn Pogge into a legitimate prospect again?

The future looks bright between the pipes in Toronto. Sure, the situation is not without questions, but the same can be said for 20 other NHL clubs.

Toskala should be able to find his old form and if Gustavsson is half the goalie we think he is, he’ll be just fine in the backup role. If Pogge finds his game, it’s icing on the cake. If not, all is not lost.