Garrioch Says Oilers in Gustavsson Race

This is Jonas Gustavsson, who is known as “The Monster” because of his goaltending abilities. Based on this photo I think his name should be “The Really Skinny Monster” or “Frail Monster” because the kid needs to add some beef.

Elite prospects says he “is capable and had a good räckvidd. He’s a modern goalie with vigorous spelstil. He’s also mentally stout. Few by an act as bloomer.”

That sounds pretty good. In his column today, Bruce Garrioch says the Oilers are in the running (along with Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles).

Jonathan Willis had an excellent look at him recently (it is here) and suggests that “I’m not at all a fan of Gustavsson and Deslauriers as the tandem out of the gate, but I’d be very happy to see Gustavsson play as a 1A/1B goaltender with a reliable partner. This isn’t an opportunity the Oilers should pass on; certainly not for the sake of Jeff Deslauriers’ potential.”

I’d pretty much agree. If the Oilers sign this kid and make him eat some beef over the summer, and then sign Jason LaBarbara-Striesand as a co-#1 I’d like that way more than two seasons of Roloson with Deslauriers trying to get in the game.

The main reason The Really Skinny Monster has appeal as a goalie are his rolling SP’s. The 6.03, 112 pound (not really, he’s list at 180) goalie had a .932SP for Farjestad (SEL) this season, which compares well to other good league starters. Let’s list all of the starters in the SEL and their SP’s this year:

1. Jonas Gustavsson Farjestad .932
2. Mattias Modig Lulea .922
3. Niklas Dahlberg Skelleftea .918
4. Andreas Hadelov Skelleftea .918
5. Johan Holmqvist Frolunda .917
6. Jacob Markstrom Brynas .917
7. Anders Lindback Brynas .916
8. Gustaf Wesslaw Djugarden .914
9. Stefan Liv HF 71 .912
10. Bjorn Bjurling Sodertalje .909

Gustavsson is also well clear of his backup (Reinhard Divis) who posted an .889SP for the same team. I should mention Toronto is also going strong for this player, and historically Brian Burke has been very good at getting his man in a situation of this kind.

Another test for Tambellini.