Toronto Maple Leafs: World Hockey Championship Goalies Impress
By Ryan Ritchie
Toronto Maple Leafs Should Target One of Two Goalie Standouts from World Hockey Championship
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending struggles are well publicized after a disappointing 2015-16 for Jonathan Bernier. Garrett Sparks provided hope becoming the first Leafs netminder to record a shutout in their debut, but it was a rocky finish for the young man.
Heading into the summer, the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest hole to address by far is the man between the pipes. Several options exist within the NHL, we actually wrote a piece recently outlining some of those possibilities (you can find it here).
While the Leafs are seeking improvement in 2016-17, they are still in the early stages of their rebuild. For now, Toronto can draft and develop, and look for a short-term solution.
Instead of sacrificing draft picks or prospects to acquire an aging temporary netminder, why not look overseas?
Especially considering the performances we were treated to at this year’s World Hockey Championship.
Both options listed below would be similar to a Jonas Gustavsson situation when the Toronto Maple Leafs signed him out of Sweden.
Mikko Koskinen, Finland
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At 27-years-old, the former New York Islanders 2nd rounder from 2009 only played four career NHL games.
After bouncing around in the minors, Koskinen went home to Finland, eventually joining the KHL.
He appeared in seven games for Finland heading into this afternoons gold medal game against Canada with a 1.14GAA and .941 save percentage.
At 6’7 209lbs, Koskinen is a big body that moves well for his size.
If Thomas Greiss and Ben Bishop can finally reach their full potential teeting on 30-years-old, who’s to say Mikko Koskinen is any different?
Koskinen was ranked 4th among European goaltenders in 2008 (went undrafted that year). Ranked below Mikko was Sergei Bobrovsky at 5th.
Dominik Furch, Czech Republic
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Furch is a 1990 birthday (Koskinen ’88) but went undrafted as a teenager.
He was ranked 9th among European goalies back in 2008, two spots ahead of 11th ranked Eddie Lack.
An inch taller and 30 pounds heavier from his draft year, Furch is now 6’2 205lbs.
He was having a monster year with KHL Avangard, appearing in 49 games, posting a 1.78GAA and .933 save percentage.
His hot play continued with Team Czech Republic at the World Championship posting a .094GAA and .960 save percentage in four games.
Next: Toronto Maple Leafs End of Year Review, Grades
Furch didn’t see as much time between the pipes as Koskinen, but he was highly noticeable. Dominik Furch made several beautiful standout saves and was a large reason the Czech Republic won their division.