Ex-Leafs goaltending prospect puts NHL dream on the backburner, signs in KHL
The Toronto Maple Leafs have become, in a lot of ways, a bit of a springboard for players and some unsigned prospects to attempt to make a name for themselves before pursuing other opportunities. Sometimes, players will ink AHL deals or even sign PTO's in Toronto, simply because of what it could mean for their pro hockey futures. Such was the case for young goaltender Dylan Ferguson.
The Leafs had Ferguson attend player development camp last summer before signing a PTO with the organization in August. Unlike many other prospects, Ferguson had come to Toronto already having made his NHL debut, back in 2017-18, while with the Vegas Golden Knights organization.
Ferguson made it into 5 games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, which acted as a bit of a showcase for the 24-year-old netminder. The showcase worked, as he was dealt soon after to the Ottawa Senators. The Sens subsequently signed Ferguson and gave him an 8-game run with the Belleville Senators in the AHL before giving him a 2-game look with the big club in Ottawa. As you may recall, his Sens debut was an absolute stunner, with the Lantzville, BC native posting 48 saves and a .980 SV% against the Pittsburgh Penguins, picking up the first and only win in his NHL career on March 20th of this year.
Well, now it appears as though Ferguson is taking the next step in his career to help build a name for himself overseas. Per The Score's Kyle Cushman, Ferguson has signed with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL this morning.
The KHL can be a tough place to carve out a role for a young player, especially a young goaltender. However, Ferguson will be 25 in September and does have 3 NHL games under his belt, as well as a wealth of experience playing in all 3 professional leagues in North America (NHL, AHL, ECHL).
Wishing Dylan all the best in this next chapter of his career.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 179 ANSWERS Ex-Leafs goaltending prospect puts NHL dream on the backburner, signs in KHL Will Dylan Ferguson ever be a full-time NHL starter/backup goalie? | ||
| Yes, one day | 46 | 25.7 % |
| No, probably not | 104 | 58.1 % |
| See results | 29 | 16.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
