Report: Leafs release Neuvirth from PTO contract

This just in, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially released goaltender Michal Neuvirth from his professional tryout (PTO) contract.

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You can't help but feel bad for the 31 year old Neuvirth. The former Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals netminder has struggled due to injury the past few seasons and looked to be on track to nail down the Leafs’ backup role.

With the Leafs shipping Garret Sparks to the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason, the door was wide open for Neuvirth to compete with Michael Hutchinson for the backup role. But now, with his injuries and with Michael Hutchinson's strong play this preseason, the choice was obvious for the Leafs coaching staff.

As a result of Neuvirth's release, the team has recalled goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

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The 25 year old Finnish netminder was placed on waivers and assigned to the Marlies just this past weekend. It’s expected that he’ll play significant minutes with the Marlies this season building off the 30 starts he put up for the club in 2018-19.