The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a qualifying offer to goaltender Justin Pogge, Sportsnet has learned.
The move ensures that Pogge remains a restricted free agent after July 1st, allowing the Leafs to match any offer made to Pogge by other clubs. Had the Leafs not extended the offer and failed to sign him to a new contract by Wednesday, Pogge would have become an unrestricted free agent.
Drafted by the Leafs 90th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Pogge has failed to live up to expectations. The Fort McMurray, AB native has spent most of the last few seasons with the Marlies, Toronto's AHL affiliate, and has not impressed in call-ups to the big club. In seven appearances with the Leafs last season, Pogge was 1-4 with a 4.35 goals against average and 0.844 save percentage.
The Leafs continue to look for ways to solve their goaltending issues heading into next season. While hoping No. 1 netminder Vesa Toskala bounces back from a tough year, the Leafs have also made a play for Swedish goaltender Jonas (The Monster) Gustavsson. Considered the best goaltender not playing in the NHL, Gustavsson has narrowed his team list to three clubs -- Toronto, Dallas and San Jose -- and is expected to make a decision before the free agent market opens.
