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Goaltender chooses to sign with the Detroit Red Wings over the Edmonton Oilers
Photo credit: IDNES
A goaltender chose to sign with the Detroit Red Wings over the Edmonton Oilers and explained his decision in a recent interview.
Earlier this week, the Detroit Red Wings announced the signing of the 23-year-old Czech goaltender Michal Postava, who was never drafted in the NHL, to a two-year entry-level contract.
Postava had multiple offers on the table, including one from the current Stanley Cup finalist: the Edmonton Oilers.
In an interview posted on the Czech outlet iSport, he revealed why he made that call.
He stated that while the final decision was up to him, he sought advice from his agent, as well as fellow Czech and Anaheim Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal, who told him Detroit could end up being better for him.
In his own words:
"I had offers from both teams, but the final decision was up to me. I talked to my agent and Lukas Dostal also gave me advice. He said that Detroit might be better for me."
"I am happy that the negotiations with Detroit were successfully concluded. The NHL is a dream for every player and I would like to fight for my chance.
I am grateful to Kometa for giving me a chance last season. It was a big leap for me, but now I have to deal with another big challenge."
"I am happy that the negotiations with Detroit were successfully concluded. The NHL is a dream for every player and I would like to fight for my chance.
I am grateful to Kometa for giving me a chance last season. It was a big leap for me, but now I have to deal with another big challenge."
Postava emerged on teams' radars this year, where he posted a .920 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA in 42 regular season games, as well as a 0.940 SV% and a 1.97 GAA in the postseason with the Brno Kometa in Czechia.
Former NHL goaltender, current Colorado Avalanche goalie and fellow Czech Pavel Francouz opened up on Postava in a recent interview.
He talked about Postava's great season, but also put forward that the Red Wings took a bet by signing him:
"He's had a great season. For most of the public, he was an unknown goalkeeper from the first league who suddenly won the title. I think that even Kometa itself didn't expect what they would find in him, that he would lead them to gold.
For me personally, it was a surprise, too. I really liked how he grew during the season. His performances went up. I certainly wouldn't have guessed before the start of the Extraliga that he would be the best goalkeeper."
"In his situation, it's going to be a lottery bet. When a goalie takes off like that, it's a good idea to wait until next season to confirm it. He has the skills, but (has) to establish himself in his performance (over time).
I think it would be a huge leap for him to go straight to the AHL. That's the position he's expected to play - to be one of the two goalies on the farm."
For me personally, it was a surprise, too. I really liked how he grew during the season. His performances went up. I certainly wouldn't have guessed before the start of the Extraliga that he would be the best goalkeeper."
"In his situation, it's going to be a lottery bet. When a goalie takes off like that, it's a good idea to wait until next season to confirm it. He has the skills, but (has) to establish himself in his performance (over time).
I think it would be a huge leap for him to go straight to the AHL. That's the position he's expected to play - to be one of the two goalies on the farm."
The Red Wings did take a bet by signing him, but his upside could be significant. His career will be very interesting to follow.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 12 | 78 ANSWERS Goaltender chooses to sign with the Detroit Red Wings over the Edmonton Oilers Are you surprised that Michal Postava chose the Detroit Red Wings over the Edmonton Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 53.8 % |
| No | 36 | 46.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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