Leafs acquire goaltender Michael Hutchinson from the Panthers

With a desperate need for goaltending depth, the Leafs made a trade this afternoon to acquire the 28-year-old Michael Hutchinson from the Florida Panthers organization, in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick.

The newly-acquired goaltender has a total of twelve games played this season – four with the Panthers, eight with the Thunderbirds – his NHL season has not looked the greatest, but with a .906 sv% he has been adequate for the Panthers’ AHL affiliate.

Hutchinson will most likely report to the Marlies, unless Andersen’s injury is longer than expected. The Leafs only play two games in the next seven days, so the starting goaltender will have time to recover from his groin injury.

Having spent most of his professional career in the Winnipeg Jets organization, Hutchinson comes with a solid NHL resume. 96 NHL appearances from 2014 to 2017 is probably the most experience you can get for such a low price.

Let’s hope that fifth-round pick doesn’t turn into the next Jamie Benn or something.