"Has been right there with Kiprusoff, but how many Finnish goalies have had success at NHL level?" (Dan Wood, The Hockey News Future Watch 1999)

"Was unsure about crossing the Atlantic Ocean to paly hockey, but finally signed a contract with the Sharks this summer. An odd goalie to watch; he has no particular style, he just stops the puck. He's highly acrobatic, however, which allows great mobility and lateral movement across his crease. Also very good with his stick and handles the puck well. (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 216)

"Small, acrobatic goalie has played on Finnish national junior team and should start in the minors next season. (The Hockey News Future Watch 2000)

"Toskala emerged as the No. 1 goalie in Kentucky when Kiprusoff was promoted to San Jose. The Sharks are convinced the 23-year-old Finn can compete at a high level and, like Kiprusoff, he continues to adjust to the smaller North American ice surface where shots come from all angles. Several minor league teams inquired about getting Toskala on loan to use as a No. 1 this season." (Ross McKeon, The Hockey News Future Watch 2001)

"Toskala enjoyed a very successfull first pro season in North America in 2000-01. Once compared to Dominik Hasek for his unorthodox style, the Finn may be the Sharks' brightest prospect in goal. He's progressing well and becoming more consistent. With Evgeni Nabokov and Miikka Kiprusoff ahead of him, the Sharks can be patient." (The Sports Forecaster 2001-02, p. 219)

"Following in San Jose's line of successfully nurtured goaltending prospects, Toskala made his NHL debut early this season. Similar in development to Evgeni Nabokov and Miikka Kiprusoff, he's a little more stubborn. A minor-pro environment is still most conducive for what he needs to accomplish. Next year could prove pivotal." (Ross McKeon, The Hockey News Future Watch 2002)

"The Cleveland Barons missed the AHL playoffs but Toskala kept them in many a game, posting a very respectable .912 save percentage combined with a 2.99 goals-against average. He is a smaller netminder and plays an unorthodox style but many think he has NHL backup potential. (The Sports Forecaster 2002-03, p. 213)

"Toskala is facing a lot of shots on a nightly basis due [to] the fact Cleveland is depleted with injuries, especially on defense. Fast and agile, the Finn diplays a good attitude about the workload and the fact the team isn't winning. This is his third minor pro season. The Sharks would like to see how he could perform again at the NHL level, a move that's possible following the trade deadline. (Ross McKeon, The Hockey News Future Watch 2003, p. 33)

"How good is Toskala? The Sharks gave up on 2004 postseason hero Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary) to hold on to fellow Finn Toskala's rights. He relies on athleticism to cover the net, and is a highlight-reel goaltender. Toskala needs to work on his consistency in order to wrestle ice time away from incumbent Evgeni Nabokov." (The Sports Forecaster 2005-06, p. 105)

• Selected by San Jose Sharks in fourth round (fourth Sharks pick, 90th overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, July 8, 1995.
• Resigned to two-year contract with Sharks, August 3, 2004.
• Signed with HV 71 (Swedish Elitserein) during NHL lockout, January 13, 2005.
• Signed with Ilves Tampere (SM-Liiga) during NHL lockout, January 31, 2005.
• Signed to two-year contract extension with Sharks, February 27, 2006.
• Traded by Sharks (with W Mark Bell) to Toronto Maple Leafs for first-round selection in 2007 entry draft, second-round selection in 2007 entry draft and fourth-round selection in 2009 entry draft, June 22, 2007.
• Traded by Maple Leafs (with F Jason Blake) to Anaheim Ducks in exchange for G Jean-Sebastien Giguere, January 31, 2010.
• Traded by Ducks to Calgary Flames in exchange for G Curtis McElhinney, March 3, 2010.
• Announced retirement from professional hockey, October 2, 2012.

• Groin injury; missed five games, March 13, 2004.
• Left game with groin injury; missed five games, October 26, 2005.
• Groin injury; missed eight games, November 11, 2005.

• On November 8, 2005, Vesa was in net when Pierre Turgeon scored his 500th regular-season National Hockey League goal.
• In Toronto's game against Anaheim on October 21, 2008, Toskala was lifted for backup Curtis Joseph at the start of the shootout. Joseph lost the shootout by a 2-0 margin.