Oilers' goalie of the future struggles in North American debut
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
As Edmonton's Next Gen Showcase starting goalie, Swedish prospect Samuel Jonsson had a shaky start behind some questionable defense, allowing four goals before being pulled in the third-period.
The Oilers' prospects did mount a comeback, however, coming within a goal of tying their arch-rival Calgary Flames, but ultimately lost 6-5.
Oilers' goalie prospect makes impressive plays despite loss in rookie-showcase game
Jonsson allowed four goals before being replaced early in the third period. While the shot total he faced was not tracked, he was credited with making some impressive saves, including a couple on breakaways.
Despite giving up four goals, one of them was considered questionable. Overall, the Oilers defense struggled in the game, likely impacting Jonsson's performance.
It's important to note that this was Jonsson's first game-action on North American ice, a significant adjustment from the larger ice surfaces in Sweden, where he has played his entire career to date.
Jonsson ranked #7 among Oilers prospects
The Swedish goaltender was drafted by Edmonton in the 5th-round of the 2022 entry draft. At 6'5", Jonsson has the make-up and build of a modern NHL goalie.
All of Samuel Jonsson's development came in Sweden, however, where in the last three years he played at various levels, the last being with BIK Karlskoga, recording an impressive 17-6-0 record, and a 1.88 GAA and .922 SV%.
Jonsson signed a 3-year Entry Level Contract with Edmonton in April, 2025, and is expected to join the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL, and failing that, the Komets of the ECHL, where he will likely be their starting goalie
Jonnson was named to the rookie-camp roster as one of four goalies, and of course, was the starter at the Next Gen Showcase, an indication of where he might stand in the Oilers' organization's goalie pecking order.
TRENDING NOW
