{"id":39518,"date":"2018-12-29T20:06:40","date_gmt":"2018-12-30T01:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=39518"},"modified":"2020-12-26T16:37:31","modified_gmt":"2020-12-26T21:37:31","slug":"toronto-maple-leafs-acquire-michael-hutchinson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/12\/29\/toronto-maple-leafs-acquire-michael-hutchinson\/","title":{"rendered":"Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Michael Hutchinson"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> have announced that they have acquired Michael Hutchinson<\/strong><\/a> from the Florida Panthers<\/a>. The return was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Hutchinson will report to the Toronto Marlies for now.<\/p>\n

Maple Leafs Acquire Michael Hutchinson<\/h1>\n

Hutchinson is a 28-year-old veteran with 106 games of NHL experience with the Winnipeg Jets<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Hutchinson signed a one-year deal<\/a> with Florida this summer.<\/p>\n

He was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins<\/a> in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.<\/p>\n

Leafs Add Some Much Needed Goaltending Depth<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong> or Eamon McAdam<\/strong> in their depth chart. The Leafs entered the year with lots of depth\u00a0in net. However,\u00a0they lost two of their former goaltenders Calvin Pickard<\/strong><\/a> and Curtis McElhinney<\/strong><\/a> to waivers earlier this season.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If Andersen does, in fact, miss an extended period of time, Hutchinson will certainly push current back up Garret Sparks<\/strong><\/a> for the starting role until he returns.<\/p>\n

Regardless of where he ends up settling in Toronto, whether it be with the Marlies or Leafs, he will certainly provide some healthy competition.<\/p>\n

The Leafs will play host to the New York Islanders<\/a> on Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>