Former Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Makes His Hockey Return
In 2006, Justin Pogge was seen as the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs. At the time, both he and Tuukka Rask were budding prospects within Toronto's system, but one ended up being traded away.
Leafs Embroiled in Possibly the Worst Trade in NHL History
The Leafs' General Manager at the time, John Ferguson Jr., made a trade that many consider one of the most regrettable, if not the worst, in NHL history.
The trade details were:
BOSTON Receives: Tuukka Rask
Raycroft played two seasons with Toronto, achieving less than a 0.900% save percentage. In contrast, Rask went on to become one of the most celebrated goalies in Bruins history.
Justin Pogge didn't develop into the goalie the Leafs had envisioned. However, after many years away from the sport, this once highly-touted prospect is making a comeback.
The Return of Pogge
Now, at 37 years old, Pogge is reviving his heyday with Team Canada, not as a player, but as a goalie consultant for the Under-18 Team at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Canada has claimed victory in the tournament 23 times over the last 30 seasons, making them the team to beat in the coming year.
Pogge has represented Team Canada in the past, boasting an incredible 0.952% save percentage and a perfect 6-0 record on the 2006 World Juniors Team Canada roster.
Credit: EditorInLeafs
| POLL | ||
Will the Leafs regret the trade forever? | ||
| Yes | 525 | 60.2 % |
| No | 347 | 39.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
