By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (June 22) — One of my trusted bird-dogs from Sweden has spoken with the people representing Jonas Gustavsson, and he is convinced the Maple Leafs stand an excellent chance of landing the free agent goalie. “Originally, it was thought that Jonas would take his time making a decision, but it sounds like he was really blown away by the Leafs,” the source insisted. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he chooses Toronto rather quickly. The sense I get is that Brian Burke put together a plan that did an excellent job of convincing Jonas about the opportunity with the Maple Leafs. Apparently, he really liked the city as well. So, I think the Leafs are right at the front of the line among teams pursuing him, though he hasn’t yet indicated which way he’ll turn.”
Dallas, Colorado and San Jose are also among teams that covet Gustavsson.
My source suggested the Leafs’ pitch was more hockey-centric than those from other clubs, particularly Dallas, which apparently did everything except allow Gustavsson to fire rubber bullets from the sixth floor of the old Texas Schoolbook Depository Building. “The Stars really went all out for Jonas, and he likes the people in their organization, especially [new GM] Joe Nieuwendyk,” I was told. “They took him to many different events and you probably heard that he was introduced to (former U.S. president) George W. Bush. But, the Leafs were a bit more focussed in their presentation. They stuck to hockey, and the potential future for him to be the No. 1 goalie on an improving team.
“From what I was told, that really caught his attention.”
Gustavsson is arguably the most sought-after free agent on the market right now, after a superb showing for Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League playoffs. The Leafs were successful in landing a couple of highly-touted college free agents late in the past season — Christian Hanson and Tyler Bozak. Commodities of this ilk are particularly desirable to NHL teams, which do not have to yield assets in order to acquire them. The downside is that such multi-layered interest isn’t necessarily a barometer of National Hockey League potential.
The risks, however, are minimal.
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Is Nieuwendyk serious?? What made him think that introducing him to Bush would make him want to play in Texas? I know a lot of young hockey players probably aren’t into world politics, but I’m pretty sure that there aren’t too many fans of George Bush in Europe (or the rest of the world outside the US). But then again, he was probably introduced to Ron Wilson over the weekend too… I’m just saying.
- FireRonWilson“…particularly Dallas, which apparently did everything except allow Gustavsson to fire rubber bullets from the sixth floor of the old Texas Schoolbook Depository Building”
________________________
Man that was funny!
I guess the real question is did they let him fire said bullets from the grassy knoll instead?
- ChrisHoward, I heard Gustavson’s agent on the FAN 590,
- Joe Jamesinterviewed ( before Jonas came here to talk to Burke)..
Apparently he wanted to play
for a winner, and that a goalie guru like Allaire ( coach) would “not” be a factor
Still, I’m a leaf supporter
and I hope you’re right and he chooses Leafs
, thx, Joe Di Nardo
Question to Dallas:
- DilenoIs meeting George Bush supposed to impress Gustavsson? Just wondering.
Great news Howard and I hope your sources are correct.I’ve been a long time fan(40years) and refuse to die until the leafs win a cup. I might live until i’m 150. lol, good times are ahead.
- RICK CAIRNSJoe — everybody wants to play for a winner, but good luck being a #1 out of the gate for a winner. This guy has potential but hasn’t won anything here yet.
His best chance to play is in Toronto or Colorado. Dallas has Turco and SJ has 2 good goalies.
So it’s Colorado and their mess of an organization vs the Leafs with (boy how times have changed) a clear direction and top hockey man leading the ship.
Through in the fact that Toronto is a very euro-like city, it’s a pretty easy choice.
- GuidoThanks Joe, for setting up the meet between George W. and Jonas. If that wouldn’t scare someone away from Texas, nothing will!
- TJust imagine this scenario Howard..Burke signs Jonas and the Sedins this summer, along with Mats at a discounted rate. Leaf fans could be witnessing a sneak peek of the Swedish olympic team.
- SeanLet’s be real for a second. Politics aside…how many people in the world get to meet the current or an ex US President? Or Prime Minister? Very few, and regardless of politics, it has to be mighty impressive.
-Go Stars
- Frank[…] met, and he “wouldn’t be surprised if [Gustavsson] chooses Toronto rather quickly.” [Fan 590]+ Adrian Dater wonders if everyone is making just a little much of Gustavsson. [Denver Post]+ Hall […]
- Tuesday NHL Rumour Notebook: Gustavsson Reportedly Blown Away by Leafs | Blog Archive | NHL Rumours | Blogs | TheScore.com