Toronto Maple Leafs: What To Do About Goaltending Issues

After Tuesday's 3-0 shutout of the Canadians in Montreal the Leafs are again left with questions in between the pipes. Prized rookie goaltender Jonas Gustavsson was taken to hospital in the first intermission with an 'accelerated heart rate.' Although the problem is apparently minor, this is exactly the scare that Leaf fans almost expect to happen on a nightly basis.

With Vesa Toskala's early struggles along with the uncertainty of Gustavsson's health and play, the Leafs have a problem at the most pivotal spot on the ice—in the net. The lack of goaltending depth between the Marlies and Leafs continues to be a talking point through this young season, and with more than three quarters of the calendar left to play the Leafs have some options to address.

What to do with Toskala

Let’s face it, his numbers are awful. He has one win and two overtime losses in seven starts this year. That’s a whopping four points out of a possible 14. His goals against average is last in the league for starting goaltenders and his save percentage isn't any better. He is in his final year of his contract and the general consensus in Leaf Land is that his days are numbered.

A trade isn't out of the question, however, what franchise is going to take him at this point and what would they be willing to give up? A playoff team with a top tier starting goaltender may be willing to take a chance on Toskala as a backup. I know Calgary has some cap issues, but it might make sense for them to swing a deal to try and get Toskala to act as insurance for his fellow countryman in Miikka Kiprusoff.

What To Do With Gustavsson

His play has been inconsistent at times, but the future does look strong for him, provided he can handle the pressure of being 'the guy' in Toronto. The question is: How long before you give him the reins and let him run with it? He is too green as it stands, and needs more time adjusting to the North American style of play. He is also on a one year deal, so let’s hope he is committed in Toronto and doesn't run from the media.

What To Do With Justin Pogge

Oh that’s right, he was traded by Burke to Anaheim in the summer for a conditional draft pick in 2011. I don't usually criticise Burke, because he is doing the best he can with what he was given by previous GMs. This however was not a smart move in my opinion. He was rushed up from the Marlies and labelled the next big thing in Toronto. Than after seven games he was shipped out.

I never could understand why they didn't just let him run the show with the Marlies. Worst comes to worst, you have a decent AHL goaltender who is still young with plenty of potential. I don't know very many people who would rather see Joey MacDonald be called up in a pinch over Justin Pogge.

Sign a Goaltender or Acquire One Via Trade

The Leafs took a chance on Martin Gerber in 2008/2009 and were rewarded with constant play in the final weeks of the season. I'm not saying a guy like Gerber is 'the answer' but it just gives the organization added depth, which they desperately need. J.S Giguere’s name has come up in trade talks, and acquiring a netminder with his resume may be the best option for the short term.

The issue however, is the price they would have to pay to get a guy like him. With the loss of Chris Pronger and other key defensive parts, Anaheim is looking to bolster their defence. If they can I have no problem seeing a guy like Jeff Finger or Garnett Exelby parting for Giguere. That is if Burke can make magic happen.

In short, the key for the Maple Leafs is patience. If they can continue to get by with the tenders they have now that is no problem. The season appears to be lost, and any playoff hopes are going to be hard to come by if they continue to be just average after their horrendous start. Goaltending is not something that just appears overnight, it takes time to build and foundation. This offseason will be very interesting for the Leafs; do you draft a goaltender and run with the Monster, or do you go after a big fish is free agency, namely Evgeni Nabokov?     

Let me know what you think!