Jonas Gustavsson, A Monster Scare!

There was an alarming health scare during the opening days of Toronto Maple Leafs training camp involving their prized rookie goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. Looking to come into camp and make a solid impression in challenging Vesa Toskala for the starting job Gustavsson managed to make other kinds of headlines. This 24 year-old who played in the Swedish Elite League last season and signed with the Leafs in July experienced after Saturday’s practice a racing heartbeat. Immediately it was diagnosed that Gustavsson who is affectionately known as ‘The Monster’ had to undergo a minor heart procedure called an ablation where an incision is made in the groin area. “They go in and touch a part of his heart that was misfiring,” said Wilson. “It’s a simple procedure that’s actually fairly common with athletes.” Gustavsson who posted a sparkling 1.96 GAA for Farjestads last season was making a great impression on Wilson prior to this medical ailment. The second year Leafs coach said described his rookie goalie as being “the most powerful guy we had,” in some of the fitness tests. “It’s not a difficult procedure. We don’t expect him to miss more than 48 hours. You don’t want him to put his gear on until he’s comfortable and there’s no risk of infection.” (at the site if the incision).