Pogge Saved From Chopping Block

Published June 29, 2009 @ 20:06 in Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Marlies

leafs I really thought Justin Pogge was on his way out. Earlier this month, a Sportsnet report suggested the Justin Pogge era had indeed come to an end here in Toronto. It was time to move on, to get Jonas Gustavsson to compete with Vesa Toskala for the Leafs spot, to make James Reimer a Marlie.

Today it's been reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs have made a qualifying offer to goaltender Justin Pogge.

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.

I've never been so happy to be so wrong. I really want Justin Pogge to succeed and I'm glad Burke is giving him another year with the Marlies. I know I'll be there, cheering him on with my kids from the front row.

6 Responses to "Pogge Saved From Chopping Block"

elvis
June 29, 2009 / 20:54

I never understood why you thought he was gone? He's a RFA so you make the guy a qualifying offer...if someone else wants him, you get something for him and if not, well, hell, it's only (not cap) money. They were able to make this qualifying offer to him at a discounted number compared to what they would have had to have paid him if they signed him earlier.

Toronto Mike
June 29, 2009 / 20:57

I felt he had to go to shed every last fibre from this blue and white fabric of entitlement.

I never saw it as a monetary decision, but a symbolic one.

elvis
June 30, 2009 / 08:07

The only symbol you should be worried about is the Stanley Cup.

If you wanted symbols, you got them when they bought out Tucker and McCabe.

Argie
June 30, 2009 / 09:51

I just wish Burke would do something. So far in his tenure he's been all hot air and no action. Acquiring Brad May was his big trade!

So far he hasn't improved the team nor has he made them worse (which is what some people wanted).

And yet the fawning media still love their "Burkie".

James Edgar
June 30, 2009 / 10:24

Argie STOP IT . WE can't keep agreeing people will talk. :)