Jonas Gustavsson, widely considered the best unsigned goal tending prospect in the world will visit the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. The young Swede has already made swings through Colorado and San Jose before coming to Dallas and finishing his tour later in the week with Toronto.
Mercurynews.com's David Pollak had this to say of Gustavsson's visit:
"Jonas is getting a look at the arena, the practice facility and also an understanding of the foundation and philosophy behind the San Jose Sharks," Resnick said. "He met today with Doug and he's going to speak with the coaches Tuesday." Resnick said Gustavsson isn't looking for a guaranteed starting job but does want a chance to compete. ... Wilson confirmed talks have been taking place but declined to discuss what Gustavsson's presence would mean for his current goaltending tandem. Starter Evgeni Nabokov has one year remaining on his contract, and Brian Boucher becomes a free agent July 1.
Could Boucher interest the Stars if San Jose lures Gustavsson?
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Brian Boucher made an appearance in 22 games last year, posting a record of 12-6-3 with a GAA of 2.18 and a .917 save percentage. Boucher made $650k last year while putting up those solid backup numbers. Even with a modest raise, the 31 year old could be an option for the Stars.
Meanwhile in Colorado, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post points out that the Avs ample cap space could be an incentive for Jonas:
Avalanche vice president Jean Martineau said Gustavsson arrived Sunday and left Monday afternoon. He was not made available to the media, but Martineau said Gustavsson met with several Avalanche players and management staff, including new coach Joe Sacco, and was given a tour of the city and the Pepsi Center, including the Avalanche's dressing room. Because of NHL rookie/age collective bargaining bylaws, Gustavsson can earn a maximum of $900,000 next season, a number the salary cap-strapped Avs could afford. After next season, Gustavsson could earn considerably more, and the Avs will have more cap room then. Martineau confirmed that former Avs star Peter Forsberg has spoken on the team's behalf, in an unofficial recruiting effort. The team would not divulge which players met with Gustavsson. The Avalanche, at this time, have no goaltender signed for the 2009-2010 season. Here in Dallas, Mike Heika of the DMN makes it clear in no uncertain terms that if Gustavsson signs with the Stars, he'll be watching most nights:
Jonas Gustavsson, the free-agent goalie from Sweden, is expected to be in Texas today and spend a full day with the Stars on Thursday. He already has visited Colorado and San Jose. He visits Toronto next. Gustavsson, 24, will sign a one-year deal for the rookie maximum, so he is visiting four teams to see which one fits him best. If he signs with the Stars, he will back up Marty Turco. Finally, in Toronto, Damien Cox of the Toronto Star says Gustavsson is a must for the Leafs:
1. Sign goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. "The Monster" is expected to be secretly spirited into town this week to be wined and dined by the Leaf brass, including new goalie coach Francois Allaire, after first meeting with Colorado, Dallas and San Jose.
If Gustavsson opts for another team, Burke will have to go shopping and is probably looking at spending at least a second-round draft pick to get a viable veteran backup to Vesa Toskala.
I'm not sure how "secretly" he's going to be whisked into the oft self proclaimed hockey capital of the world. Where do you think Gustavsson is going to end up?