The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a predicament. With Petr Mrazek injured, there is a need for a backup goaltender for Jack Campbell tonight. However, they do not have the cap space to call up a goaltender from the AHL. This forces them to sign University of Toronto goalie Alex Bishop to an amateur tryout.
The #leafs don't have the cap space to call up a goaltender to take Petr Mrazek's spot behind Jack Campbell tonight. They will likely sign U of T goalie Alex Bishop to an amateur tryout to back up Campbell.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 16, 2021
Leafs Cap Space Issues Force Them To Sign Alex Bishop
Once the Leafs play a game down a player, they can use an emergency recall on Michael Hutchinson for their next game. The situation gets weirder when you take a look at their skaters. Justin Holl is out with an injury and is not at the morning skate, as reported by Chris Johnston. This means the Leafs would rather play without an NHL-caliber goaltender than down a skater.
Bishop has spent three seasons playing for U of T, but only played games in two of them. In his most recent season, the 2019-20 season, he played 24 games, finishing with a record of 19 wins, 5 losses, and 0 overtime losses. With a 2.41 goals against average and a .922 save percentage, his numbers tell the story of a very solid goaltender.
How This Affects the Leafs
Obviously, playing without an NHL-level backup goalie is risky business. While Campbell is the starting goalie and should have no trouble playing through the game, there are a few scenarios in where he cannot finish the game. In that case, Bishop would have to come in and play the game of his life. While the Leafs are playing a team that is not known for their offensive firepower, the Ottawa Senators could still light the lamp multiple times against an inexperienced goalie. So for Leafs fans everywhere, they’re hoping Campbell can play all 60 minutes tonight, or if he can’t, that Bishop steps up in a big way.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
