Despite rumors of a return to Sweden, Samuel Jonsson remains committed to North America, easing fears that a depth chart logjam would alienate the rising goaltending prospect.
There is potentially good news following a weekend "scare" that suggested goaltending prospect Samuel Jonsson might be leaving the Edmonton Oilers for Sweden and was possibly upset about being squeezed out by the Oilers organization.
The original concern came up when Oilers prospect expert Bruce Curlock said on Oilers Now that Jonsson might be returning to the SHL. While there wasn't a development concern, Curlock did raise one.
He noted:
“He’s going to play against young guys who are going to be in the NHL… So I think he’ll be fine developmentally wise. I think the concern I have is: What does the player think of the organization and what does the organization think of the player for doing this? Hopefully this was a mutually agreed decision. And, you know, he goes back for a year until the clog at the Oilers depth chart for goaltending clears up… I don’t want to see him stay there more than this coming season.”
In other words, the worry was that with all of the goalies the Oilers had in their system, Jonsson might feel squeezed out and upset. Thus, if he was taking off for Sweden, would he be less likely to return?
While things could change, that doesn't appear to be a worry now.
Bob Stauffer writes: 'Regarding reports involving Edmonton Oilers goaltending prospect Samuel Jonsson, all indicators are that he will be attending EDM’s Rookie Camp in September. Further to that, he is expected to play in North America this season."
This is obviously good news for the Oilers. They've spent time on Jonsson and many believe he's got a bright future. If the Oilers alienated or frustrated one of their better prospects, it would be a missed opportunity.
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