Toskala Signs Short-Term in Sweden

  Unrestricted free-agent goaltender Vesa Toskala has reportedly sought work in Europe after not having been signed thus far by an NHL club.

  The 33 year-old Finn has signed a one-month loan deal with AIK of the Swedish Elite League according to a Swedish newspaper. He will replace the injured Christopher Heino-Lindberg and serve as the primary backup for starter Viktor Fasth.

"Toskala is looking for a club in the NHL or KHL and needs time to play at as high a level as possible," AIK Sports manager Anders Gozzi told Expressen. "Therefore this is a very good solution for both parties."

    Toskala’s exit comes as no surprise after his below average performance through three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toskala was traded to the Anaheim Ducks Januray 31st, and then immediately traded from Anaheim to Calgary where he appeared six times. In 32 total outings last season, Vesa went 9-12-3 with a 3.48 GAA and .880 save percentage with one shutout.

  After being drafted in 1995 (90th overall) by the San Jose Sharks, Toskala looked sharp early, and dominated the goal crease with a commanding .930 save percentage through his first two seasons. Since then, Toskala’s numbers have dropped consistently in 8 total NHL seasons. His numbers have dropped now to 129-82-25 through 266 games with a 2.76 GAA and .902 save percentage with 13 shutouts.

  Toskala is most likely hoping strong play in Europe will translate into team’s interest in the States. From watching him play, he’s seemed to be one of the guys likely on his way to Europe via Finnish Elite, Swedish Elite, or KHL due to his inconsistency. He has seemed to have lost it, and can no long make up for his 5’10 frame disadvantage. Toskala is, though, a lightning fast goaltender that has displayed (in San Jose from 2001-2007) a real ability to compete at the NHL level. Playing for a hockey mecca like Toronto is something that some goaltenders will never be able to handle, and Toskala may just be one of those guys.

  I enjoyed watching him play in San Jose from the start, but I felt increasingly bad for the guy year-by-year in Tornoto. It would be great for him to succeed in Europe and return to a team that better suits his mental level more than his level of play.

- Kendall Grubbs