Dustin Tokarski is one player who has been on my radar for a couple of years. Most Canadians will remember his amazing 39 save performance to win the 2009 WJHC. Western Canadians would have seen Dustin burn up the WHL with some great performances between the pipes for the Spokane Chiefs. As a member of the Chiefs, Tokarski won the 2008 Memorial Cup and was both tournament MVP and top goaltender of the tournament.
So what has he done lately? These past two seasons he has been the number goaltender of the Norfolk Admirals which lost in the first round this past season to the Penguins. Tokarski put in a solid performance during the first round with 2 wins, 2.19 gaa and a shutout. A lack of offensive support was one of the reasons for Norfolk's quick exit.
His future could be interesting. He is apart of a young and growing franchise which is really at a goaltending crossroads. Dwayne Roloson was the goalie of choice down the homestretch and during the playoffs but, will be have another season in the tank? Either way, Tampa is going to need to either give Tokarski his shot as a backup or as a starter next season. Based the fact Tampa currently has NONE of their starters signed to a contract, and Stamkos is an RFA, Tokarski may be the most financially smart choice as a backup of starter.
Either way, I am excited and I think he is a prospect that has much potential. From the hobby perspective, now is the best time to get his cards. Many of his autographed rookies are going for about 5 bucks including shipping on eBay and his Young Guns and Artifacts rookies aren't expensive either. Could be a cheap gamble that will pay off when he wins his first cup in the next 3 years!
I landed a Tokarski auto along with a couple others in an auction on Ebay a little while ago. The cards showed up today and I will share them tomorrow.
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