The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired Michael Hutchinson from the Florida Panthers. The return was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Hutchinson will report to the Toronto Marlies for now.
Maple Leafs Acquire Michael Hutchinson
Hutchinson is a 28-year-old veteran with 106 games of NHL experience with the Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers. Over his career, he has a record of 44-40-13. He has a goal against average of 2.70 and a save percentage of .907.
He struggled with Florida this season. Hutchinson posted a record of 1-1-2 with a goal against average of 4.17 and a save percentage of .839.
Hutchinson signed a one-year deal with Florida this summer.
He was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
Leafs Add Some Much Needed Goaltending Depth
The fact that the Leafs wasted little time picking up a goalie after just getting the news that Andersen would miss time due to a groin injury is interesting, to say the least. The Leafs felt the need to make a move to bolster their depth in goal. With no other options other than Kasimir Kaskisuo or Eamon McAdam in their depth chart. The Leafs entered the year with lots of depth in net. However, they lost two of their former goaltenders Calvin Pickard and Curtis McElhinney to waivers earlier this season.
For the Leafs, they add a goalie who has proven to be a capable backable at the NHL level. He spent three years as the backup in Winnipeg playing anywhere between 25-40 games in those three years and posting very respectable numbers while doing so.
If Andersen does, in fact, miss an extended period of time, Hutchinson will certainly push current back up Garret Sparks for the starting role until he returns.
Regardless of where he ends up settling in Toronto, whether it be with the Marlies or Leafs, he will certainly provide some healthy competition.
The Leafs will play host to the New York Islanders on Saturday night.
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