Report: Dubas eyeing the trade market “every day” for a backup goalie

When will the Leafs’ GM finally pull the trigger on a deal?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Report: Dubas eyeing the trade market “every day” for a backup goalie
Zuma Press

It’s not exactly a secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled this season when they’re without star goaltender Frederik Andersen. Backup Michael Hutchinson has struggled in seven starts this season, going winless along the way and posting a dreadful 4.55 goals against average and .876 save percentage. And well… the less said about Kasimir Kaskisuo’s lone game this season, the better.

The fact of the matter is the Leafs need more consistency between the pipes from their #2 man, whomever that may be. So, what happens next? Trade? Waiver wire claim?

Leafs GM Kyle Dubas admits to monitoring the trade market for a potential deal, but he’s also preaching patience to his fanbase. Rightly or wrongly, Dubas still believes that Hutchinson can step up and show himself to be a capable backup.

Check it out:



Look… the Leafs haven’t played great in front of Hutch this season. But… it’s not like he’ s suddenly going to become a Vezina Trophy nominee overnight. Why not bring in someone looking for a fresh start? What’s the harm in going someone else a chance? Keith Kinkaid is available on waivers and there are plenty cheap options around the league if Dubas decides to make a trade.

It's hard to believe that just two seasons ago the Leafs had some of the best goaltending depth in the entire NHL with Curtis McElhinney, Calvin Pickard and Garret Sparks all playing backup to Andersen. Now, as a result of some poor roster management, the Leafs have lost all three of those netminders.

At this point, the Dubas and the Leafs have to do something… ANYTHING… to address their backup goaltending woes.   

Source: Luke Fox