LONDON - Brian Burke may continue to push, but The Monster hasn't decided yet.
In fact, agent Joe Resnick said today that Swedish free agent goalie Jonas Gustavsson's situation hasn't changed after meeting with Burke yesterday in Stockholm.
"No, no change," said Resnick. "It's really up to Jonas now. I can't make a decision for him."
The earliest Gustavsson will decide is tomorrow, but it could still drag on into next week. The Colorado Avalanche have already effectively dropped out by getting incumbent Peter Budaj and free agent Craig Anderson under contract.
The Leafs are likely to hang in there, and its not clear whether San Jose or Dallas may yet choose to head in a different direction for goalkeeping help.
If the "Monster" is truly interested in competing on a world stage, Toronto is the place. In a recent conversation with Curtis Joseph he said moving to Detroit was the worst mistake of his career. Toronto will alway be one of the prime places to play. If you're good and a decent person besides, your endorsements in Canada is likely to supercede your salary. The U.S. is an after thought. Burke IS on the right track and will be a man possessed to bring the Cup to Toronto again, I mean what a legacy. The "Monster" need only talk to Borje...hmmm, wasn't his nick name the "King"? I think that's even higher than Mr. President...!!!
Dave...Anyone seen Matt Venca
Posted by: Dave | July 03, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Hey Damian,
Heard anything about this? Hawks, Sharks, Leagfs in three-way deal.
http://torontosportsmedia.com/toronto-maple-leafs-hockey/burke-working-blockbuster-deal/
Posted by: Eoin Kenny | July 03, 2009 at 01:55 PM
I'm here guys...just don't have much to contribute. I really have no idea where the Leafs are headed. Too many people write stupid comments using my name, and its just become tiresome.
Posted by: Matt Venca | July 03, 2009 at 02:05 PM
The Monster has his own monster and she is his girlfriend who is terrified with flying. If you remember Jorgen Jonsson in same situation - played well with both Islanders and Ducks - he returned to Sweden after just one season because his "monster" couldn't handle flying.
This waiting and already frustrated agent proves that this goalie will be monstrous disappointment and will return to cozy Sweden as soon as going gets tough between the pipes. When home agent says let's go home they go. Period.
Posted by: Ms. Gustavsson | July 03, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Maybe Burke will come back with 2 Swedes...The Monster and The Return of Mats....you think?
Posted by: Matt | July 03, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Stupid comments like offering up that the Leafs were going to walk away with Hedman and Schenn from the draft?
Posted by: A-Mar | July 03, 2009 at 07:34 PM
Indecisive Swedes? Is Jonas Gustavsson trying for Sundin Part II? If so, the NHL will know his decision by 2012 (give or take a season).
Geezus!
I say dump the ditzy girlfriend who's scared of flying and serial date stewardesses. Problem solved.
And do NOT get a pep-talk from Sundin - he couldn't decide between a sugar cone and a waffle cone if you gave him 4 hours and the encouragement of an electric cattle prod.
Posted by: SelfishSundinTheGreatBustof2009 | July 04, 2009 at 09:57 AM
The guy still hasn't faced NHL sharpshooters so don't get overly excited, folks.
Good to see all the "improvements" made by Burke. But they still need someone who can stop pucks and they have no one to offer in return.
Posted by: Johnnyk | July 04, 2009 at 04:49 PM
guys - JG's mom just died, leaving him without siblings or parents...so i think dealing with his girlfriend's fear of flying is a completely reasonable thing to delay signing for. i think it's easy to forget that these guys have real life problems, just like you and i...and i don't envy the monster's task - that is, coercing his girl to get on board. like everything else with our beloved team right now, let's just be patient.
Posted by: ager416 | July 04, 2009 at 06:37 PM
@SelfishSundinTheGreatBustof2009 " he couldn't decide between a sugar cone and a waffle cone if you gave him 4 hours and the encouragement of an electric cattle prod."........That sums him up perferctly. Thanks for the laugh.
Posted by: Dave | July 04, 2009 at 07:09 PM
Please stay away from Tampa Bay, Mr. Monster Man. We had a taste of over rated Svensk with Johan. I would prefer actually, to give Holmqvist another shot with Mattias and Viktor spearheading the re-woven blue line.
Take the other guys advice and dump the shrill one. There's many, many more out there.....especially in Florida (wink, wink).
Good luck young one.
Go Bolts!
Posted by: Casper | July 04, 2009 at 10:22 PM
I keep checking back to see if there is an update and so far nothing. Surely there is news to report. Is Brian Burke still in Sweden?
Posted by: Dave | July 05, 2009 at 09:48 AM
I am eating my previous words. I am sorry for your loss JG, and wish you all the best in life.
Keep the lady, go where your heart takes you, and be happy.
Hail and Bless.
Go Bolts!
Posted by: Casper | July 06, 2009 at 01:26 AM
SelfishSundin, I love it!! I thought I was the only one who thought that way, I'm sure in some way he and "The Monster" are related!! With regard to "Matt Venca", bro, you reap what you sow! Given your visions of grandeur and putting in print that you work for MLSE what did you expect? God help us if Sundin returns to wrench another few million from the clutches of MLSE!! Talk about good money into bad!!
GO Leafs GO!!
Posted by: Bold Bravado | July 06, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Couldn't she come on a boat?
Posted by: Eoin Kenny | July 06, 2009 at 05:33 PM