The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltender Jonas Gustavsson to a two-year contract extension averaging $1.35 million per year, Sportsnet can confirm.
The 25-year-old rookie posted a 16-15-9 record and a 2.87 goals-against-average with a .902 save percentage in 2009-10.
“I wanted to stay here in Toronto. I think it is maybe the best organization in the world,” Gustavsson told Hockeycentral@Noon on Thursday.
He was scheduled to become a restricted free agent July 1.
“I rather have it like this (signing early),” Gustavsson added. “I am happy to have it done now and concentrate on having good summer workouts and relax a bit.”
Gustavsson got off to a shaky start with the Maple Leafs, undergoing a heart procedure that placed even his future in hockey in doubt.
“I had difficulties with the heart issue, but I don’t think so much about it anymore.”
Gustavsson was the biggest beneficiary of the team’s late season move to acquire fellow goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere from Anaheim. Gustavsson was a fan of Giguere growing up, and was pleased to learn from a former Stanley Cup winner.
“I was happy (when he arrived). I watched him play at home and I wanted to play like him,” Gustavsson said of Giguere. “He has won a Cup and was a playoff MVP.”
It is expected that the Swede will return home to play for his country in the upcoming IIHF World Championship in Germany. Gustavsson won a bronze medal with Sweden at the 2009 World Championships in Switzerland. In five games he posted a 3-2-0 record with a 2.83 goals against average and a .914 save percentage.
