Claimed:Tukio Hangs in Limbo

[Higgins 3,618]

Hanging in Limbo

 

Only one short season ago it looked like Tuomas Tukio would be a career long Helsinki Titan. After Helsinki lost a few pieces through free agency the team decided to sell off all their assets and shift into rebuild mode by acquiring many 1st round draft picks. Tukio was shipped off to Quebec City for a 1st rounder and for the first time in his career would play for a team located outside of Finland, his home country. After a mediocre Season 36 the trade was felt with mixed reactions from Tukio. He wanted a shot at redemption with the Titans, but didn't mind a change in scenery. The new look seemed to have worked for Tukio as he had one of his best statistical seasons to date. Tukio finished with 13 shutouts, 43 wins, a 1.82 GAA and a 0.930 SV% leading Quebec City to a playoff spot even with their overall lack of scoring. Tukio also posted the best numbers of his career in the playoffs, but Quebec ultimately lost in game seven of the quarter finals. It was a far cry from his last season in Helsinki, which now has Tukio in consideration for winning the Funk trophy for most improved player. Tukio also has a good chance at winning the most valuable player, the most outstanding player and the top goaltender award.

 

Tukio and Alexander Valiq celebrate a victory.

 

Even with all the award nominations and having one of his best seasons it seems that Tuomas Tukio is destined to hang in limbo for Season 38. At this point it is uncertain if Quebec will rebuild or compete for one more season, but if they do rebuild it will push Tukio out of his starters job. All the other teams in the league have a goalie too, which leaves Tukio in a rare situation with no where to play. When interviewed when practicing with team Scandinavia for the World Cup he provided some insight into his situation. "It's strange. It's kind of an awkward spot to be in with no control, but things have have a way of working themselves out. I'm not ready to retire that's all I know". As it stands Tukio is set to become a free agent and it appears the six time all-star goalie isn't ready to end his career without one final season in the VHL.

 

Tuomas Tukio Career Statistics

309-104-33 // 0.923 SV% // 2.04 GAA // 49 SO

 

Where could Tukio end up? If Quebec contends he will resign for sure, he's committed to the team that traded for him last off-season. If Quebec management decides to rebuild he will hit the open market for any other VHL team to sign. A lot of the big contenders already have their goalie, but teams with some extra cap space might be tempted to sign Tukio to a one season contract. It is possible that a team such as the Seattle Bears, whose goalie hasn't played the best, could sign the proven veteran Tukio. Another possibility would be Tukio signing with the team he played six seasons for and won a Continental Cup with in Helsinki. There is no question that Tukio is an elite goaltender that can steal low scoring games and could volt a pretender into an instant contender.

[Victor 10,846]

Sign for Seattle, play up front, output better totals than Osborne. Problem solved.

[Kesler 1,514]

Turku needs a goalie

[Victor 10,846]

Turku needs a goalie

First day in the job and already tampering. tsk tsk

[Higgins 3,618]

Sign for Seattle, play up front, output better totals than Osborne. Problem solved.

Sneak peak of a new player store option?

[Will 4,660]

Content: 3/3 

554 words. Congrats on having such a successful season and best of luck on the awards front. Hopefully Tukio finds a place to hang his hat for one more season. At least he seems to have a good attitude and an open mind about the whole situation. Overall, really well written article here.

Grammar: 2/2

Didn't find anything. 

 

Appearance: 1/1 

Lookin' good.

Overall: 6/6

Edited May 9, 2014 by Draper

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