Identifying future starting goaltenders in hockey is no easy task, and the Edmonton Oilers know this all too well. Over nearly five decades of drafting, they've developed only four goalies who played over 200 NHL games: Andy Moog, Grant Fuhr, Devan Dubnyk, and Stuart Skinner. Now, there's buzz around Samuel Jonsson, currently impressing with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets, as a potential future star for Edmonton.
The Resume
Jonsson's journey to becoming a top NHL goalie is a long shot, considering he was a fifth-round pick in 2022. But surprises happen-just ask Andy Moog, a seventh-rounder himself.
Jonsson’s recent performances are turning heads. In his final season in Sweden’s Allsvenskan, he clinched the Goalie of the Year award with standout stats: a .922 save percentage, six shutouts, and a 1.88 goals-against average.
This league might be Sweden's second tier, but it's a breeding ground for future stars.
His success earned him a contract with the Oilers, and this year in the ECHL, he's been making waves. Let's break down his 2025-26 numbers:
- October: 2 games, .915 save percentage, 2.5 goals-against average
- November: 4 games, .934 save percentage, 1.23 goals-against average
- December: 4 games, .859 save percentage, 3.91 goals-against average
- January: 5 games, .942 save percentage, 1.61 goals-against average
- February: 9 games, .907 save percentage, 2.55 goals-against average
- March: 3 games, .942 save percentage, 1.3 goals-against average
Consistency is key for goalies, and while December was rough, Jonsson's overall performance suggests he's ready for the next step: the AHL with the Bakersfield Condors.
The Scouting Report
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 201 pounds, Jonsson fits the mold of the modern NHL goalie, aligning with Edmonton's preference for big netminders. His development has been notable.
Initially criticized for his lateral movement and quickness, he's since refined his skills. By January 2025, his coordination, footwork, and control had significantly improved, earning him the No. 4 spot in Edmonton’s prospect rankings.
Despite his progress, experts are cautious about declaring him the Oilers' future No. 1. But his current trajectory suggests he has the potential.
When Are Goalies Ready?
There's an argument in hockey circles that goalies peak earlier than expected, and delaying their progression can be inefficient. Jonsson’s standout season in the Allsvenskan and solid ECHL performance (December aside) indicate he might be ready for a bigger challenge. Moving him to the AHL could provide the opportunity to prove himself further.
However, the Oilers face a dilemma. They have a crowded goalie pipeline, with Connor Ungar also excelling in the ECHL.
Ungar, 24, boasts a .928 save percentage across multiple stops and found success in the AHL earlier this season. Both he and Jonsson are showing signs of readiness for the next level, leaving Oilers management with a tough decision.
Bottom Line
Promoting Jonsson to the AHL might seem bold, but the Oilers' history of hefty spending on veteran goalies has often been a costly gamble. With the Condors' current goaltending struggles, giving both Jonsson and Ungar a shot in Bakersfield could be a smart move.
Past attempts to solve Edmonton’s goaltending woes through trades and free-agent signings have been hit or miss. The cycle could change by investing in homegrown talent like Jonsson.
While he’s not NHL-ready just yet, a stint in the AHL and a chance at NHL games next season could pave the way for a more sustainable solution in net. The cost is minimal compared to yet another pricey acquisition, and it might just be the long-term answer the Oilers need.