Leafs Net Work

The trade of Pogge and signing MacDonald puts the Leafs in solid shape in goal with plenty of options for the future. The MacDonald addition seems like a trivial signing but it is a smart move for Gustavsson’s development because of the insurance factor.

Toskala will be the starting goalie and this should be a bounce back year for him. He is coming off groin surgery and that hurt his play last year. There is some concern however in that Toskala is not a goalie built for a super heavy workload. He can wear down and he has a history of nagging injuries. Ideally he will play a solid 55 games this year which would leave plenty of games for Gustavsson to work his way into the league.

The point of exposure the Leafs had is what happens if Toskala goes down. One thing you do not want to do is rush Gustavsson into a heavy workload as a starter before he is ready for it. I have got great hopes for Gustavsson, but until he has a chance to prove himself in the NHL you can not just assume that he is an NHL starting goalie. MacDonald played just under 50 games for the Islanders last year and had a solid save percentage. He provides the Leafs with a goalie that can step in for Toskala if he gets injured and still allow Gustavsson to work his way into the NHL without being rushed.

Should Gustavsson live up to expectations and show he is ready to start by the mid point of the season, MacDonald gives you a proven backup should the opportunity arise to trade Toskala at the deadline. This is a long shot, but if Toskala plays well and if a contender suffers a goaltending injury, then Toskala and his expiring contract become a pretty attractive option. Failing that, you let Toskala leave as a UFA at the end of the season and MacDonald can be resigned as your experienced backup next year.

The other nice thing about MacDonald joining the depth chart is that Gustavsson will now be pushed. MacDonald does not want to spend the year with the Marlies so he will be busting his butt for playing time. This type of competition is nothing but good news for Gustavsson’s development in that it will provide him with extra motivation. MacDonald’s presence also allows the Leafs to move Gustavsson to the Marlies for a short time period should he require a bit more playing time then he is ready for at the NHL level.

All three goalies are on the last year of their contracts so Burke can evaluate the situation at the end of the season. The Leafs have control of Gustavsson as an RFA, so if he performs as expected they will sign him to a long term contract. If Gustavsson is not ready to be the number one next year Burke will have the option of resigning Toskala or entering the free agent market to pick up a replacement.