Oilers netminder could be an option in Toronto, per Chris Johnston
TSN's Chris Johnston made a lot of Leafs fans unhappy on Wednesday, when he suggested that the Leafs could go after Edmonton Oilers backup Mikko Koskinen this summer to replace Petr Mrazek.
The obvious concern is that Koskinen, 33, is certainly not much of an upgrade over Mrazek. In 45 starts for the Oilers this past season, Koskinen posted a 27-12-4 record, but just a .903 sv% and a 3.10 GAA. What's really alarming is what Koskinen did when the games really began to matter in the postseason. In 3 playoff games this year, Koskinen put up a 4.02 GAA and a .897 sv%.
Ultimately, the backup is not expected to play a ton of games anyway, but the real concerning factor here is that goaltenders get hurt. Regardless of who the Leafs go out and get as their new starter this summer, or whether they re-sign Jack Campbell as their number one, the fact that Koskinen doesn't possess any real upside or game-stealing ability, it could end up being a really tough year for the Buds if they pursue Koskinen as a 1b or backup netminder this offseason.
The one bright spot to signing Koskinen, he'd be very, very cheap - and he does have some NHL experience. It's just a matter of actually having to rely on him at times.. that's the big question mark. Can the Leafs win close games with Mikko Koskinen facing pressure late? If the answer is no, you move on if you're Kyle Dubas.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 401 ANSWERS Oilers netminder could be an option in Toronto, per Chris Johnston Should the Leafs pick up Mikko Koskinen in free agency this summer? | ||
| Absolutely | 59 | 14.7 % |
| No way! | 243 | 60.6 % |
| He's better than Mrazek | 73 | 18.2 % |
| Don't care, just win baby! | 26 | 6.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
