Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Examining different options to replace Mike Smith

Groot · 01-04-2019, 09:41 AM

I don't think this provides the immediate fix the Flames need, but I've been looking at this for a while so seems like an appropriate topic to bring it up.

What are the rules surrounding international players joining a team mid-season? I know he would need some time in the AHL but I would really like to see the Flames take a look at Jonas Gunnarsson, and maybe this is simply an offseason pick-up and not possible mid-season.

Jonas Gunnarrson is 26, 6"1 and 198 lbs, currently playing in the Swedish Elite League for HV71. Played pretty much his entire career in Swedish leagues, starting in the Elite League (HV71) but dropped himself down to 2nd division (Malmo) in 2014 to get more playing time, and subsequently helped Malmo get promoted to the 1st division.

He then got signed to a 1-year contract with Nashville in 2016. He played 16 games for the Admirals in the AHL, posting a less-than-impressive .878 with a 3.28 GAA. At the time Nashville had Rinne in peak form, and Saros had just graduated to the back-up role. The GM wanted to reset the AHL depth in Milwaukee as the NHL positions were set, so then 24-year old Gunnarsson returned to Sweden. Hard to gauge what 16 games 3 years ago look like, especially being the first time playing in NA.

Back with Malmo in the SEL last season, he put up .908 in 18 games with 2.55 GAA, and was loaned to HV71 for 4 games where he went .909 with 2.04 GAA, then really found his groove and put up 1.47 GAA with a .947 in 6 playoff games for Malmo.

This season he has played exclusively for HV71 and has continued his strong play and managed a really impressive 1.73 GAA with .935 in 19 games, leading all goalies in the SEL.

Especially with Gillies not developing as hoped, I would absolutely bring this guy over ASAP and see how he looks in the AHL. Worst case scenario he's a depth signing, best case scenario he's really starting to find his game, he's had some exposure to NA ice so it's not completely foreign this time around, and becomes a competent back-up or even 1b option with Rittich. Also cheaper than a lot of other options.

01-04-2019, 09:41 AM	#71
Groot Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Calgary Exp:	I don't think this provides the immediate fix the Flames need, but I've been looking at this for a while so seems like an appropriate topic to bring it up. What are the rules surrounding international players joining a team mid-season? I know he would need some time in the AHL but I would really like to see the Flames take a look at Jonas Gunnarsson, and maybe this is simply an offseason pick-up and not possible mid-season. Jonas Gunnarrson is 26, 6"1 and 198 lbs, currently playing in the Swedish Elite League for HV71. Played pretty much his entire career in Swedish leagues, starting in the Elite League (HV71) but dropped himself down to 2nd division (Malmo) in 2014 to get more playing time, and subsequently helped Malmo get promoted to the 1st division. He then got signed to a 1-year contract with Nashville in 2016. He played 16 games for the Admirals in the AHL, posting a less-than-impressive .878 with a 3.28 GAA. At the time Nashville had Rinne in peak form, and Saros had just graduated to the back-up role. The GM wanted to reset the AHL depth in Milwaukee as the NHL positions were set, so then 24-year old Gunnarsson returned to Sweden. Hard to gauge what 16 games 3 years ago look like, especially being the first time playing in NA. Back with Malmo in the SEL last season, he put up .908 in 18 games with 2.55 GAA, and was loaned to HV71 for 4 games where he went .909 with 2.04 GAA, then really found his groove and put up 1.47 GAA with a .947 in 6 playoff games for Malmo. This season he has played exclusively for HV71 and has continued his strong play and managed a really impressive 1.73 GAA with .935 in 19 games, leading all goalies in the SEL. Especially with Gillies not developing as hoped, I would absolutely bring this guy over ASAP and see how he looks in the AHL. Worst case scenario he's a depth signing, best case scenario he's really starting to find his game, he's had some exposure to NA ice so it's not completely foreign this time around, and becomes a competent back-up or even 1b option with Rittich. Also cheaper than a lot of other options.