Goaltender who was linked to the Leafs this past week signs in Switzerland
With just two teams remaining in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, we're entering heavy rumour season, and one such rumour from this past week had the Leafs potentially looking into the possibility of signing Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mikko Koskinen. Well, we can now officially put that baby to bed.
After TSN's Chris Johnston offered up the opinion that the Leafs could sign Koskinen this summer during free agency if they cannot lock up Jack Campbell, rumours began to surface that Koskinen was actually considering a return to Europe. It appears as though those rumours were true.
On Monday morning, Koskinen, who was spent the last 4 seasons with the Oilers, signed a two-year contract with the Swiss League's HC Lugano. With Koskinen off to Switzerland, that's one less option in the UFA goalie pool, which means that the limited options who remain out there will be in higher demand. The 33-year-old Finnish netminder won a Gagarin Cup with SKA St. Petersburg in 2015 and again in 2017.
The Leafs could have two new faces in the crease next season if Campbell's rumoured contract demands don't decrease over the next couple of weeks. His original ask was reportedly in the $5M AAV range with at least a 3-year term. As for Petr Mrazek, well.. we know that the Leafs are looking at every potential opportunity to move him. A buyout also remains an option.
