Winnipeg Jets Top 25 Under 25 – #24 – Eddie Pasquale

Last player on the Winnipeg Jets Top 25 Under 25 was the 117th pick of 2008, now we move on to the 117th pick of 2009 for our second to last player on the list. Eddie Pasquale is our fifth goalie in the Jets top 25, but that is no measure against him. With how unpredictable and volatile goaltenders can be, it is quite possible that the goaltending order is turned upside down the next year.

In fact, it could be argued that Eddie Pasquale is the closest to NHL ready of the the goaltender prospects. It is also completely reasonable to say there is a chance that he could be the only one of the five to ever get any significant NHL minutes.

Pasquale was a large faller in this years edition, after a difficult season; however, if he can bounce back into form, look for him near the top next year.

Previous Rank: 14

Eddie! Eddie!

Ed Pasquale starts his OHL career in Belleville Bulls but is eventually moved to the Saginaw Spirit. Pasquale's numbers were not very flattering, posting the leagues 29th best and 40th best save percentage for each.

Pasquale settled into the starting role in Saginaw and posted an improved save percentage with increased responsibilities. He finished with the OHL's 15th best save percentage. He did collapse a bit in the playoffs, posting the lowest save percentage of any OHL tender to play four or more games. However, Pasquale was nominated to the OHL Third All-Star Team. Eddie played for Team Cherry at the CHL Top Prospects Game and was picked in the fourth round by the Atlanta Thrashers organization.

The next year Pasquale improved to the 9th best save percentage. This was a decently impressive feat as we can see his team wasn't very defensively minded by looking at his far lower 22nd best GAA. Eddie went on a hot streak in the playoffs, posting the 2nd highest save percentage, but unfortunately wasn't' enough to send the Spirit all the way.

Pasquale started his professional career in the ECHL, like most non-blue chip goaltender prospects. After the infamous Ondrej Pavelec debacle, there was a chain reaction in call ups, giving Pasquale the opportunity to play in the AHL. Pasquale's statistically wasn't a standout, having the 56th highest save percentage in the AHL. After he got sent back down he completed the season with the 39th highest save percentage in the ECHL.

Next season came the three headed monster, with three goalies fighting for the starting position for the St. John's IceCaps. Eddie Pasquale won the starting role legitimately, posting a higher save percentage than either Peter manino or David Aebischer. Pasquale's save percentage however was only 39th in the AHL. The team was very strong though and Pasquale again got hot in the playoffs, pushing the IceCaps deep into the post-season. Pasquale was nominated ot the AHL All-Rookie Team.

Pasquale's save percentage fell down the following season. Compounded with a much younger roster than the year prior, this caused the IceCaps to miss the playoffs, to the dismay of fans and Craig Heisinger. There were some disgruntled with the young net minder, but thus far Pasquale has seemed to rebound, playing much stronger game.

Moar Goalie Depth

Goaltenders are always hard to predict and project, but the more the merrier. Kevin Cheveldayoff has done well in bolstering the depth in multiple levels, with now the organization containing Eddie Pasquale, Connor Hellebuyck, Eric Comrie, Michael Hutchinson, Juho Olkinuora, Jason Kasdorf and Jamie Philips.

Pasquale was given the starter position for the IceCaps this season and has done thus far, but the stakes have risen with Heisinger openly stating that if either Olkinuora or Hutchinson earn their shot it will exchange hands. A little internal competition never hurt anyone.

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