Michal Neuvirth released from PTO

Deep down you thought that Matt Read or at least Brandon Halverson would be the first PTO to end, but here is Michal Neuvirth proving us all wrong.

The decision comes after an injury plagued training camp, that featured a couple of periods of solid netminding, but not a lot to inspire the confidence that Neuvirth was up to a season of hockey and that he could be counted on when the Leafs needed him.

It’s unfortunate that it looks like injuries will claim his NHL career, but for his sake we wish him the best and that he can rehabilitate himself back into game shape.

As for the Leafs, it looks like Michael Hutchinson is the defacto NHL backup, which may leave some people wanting.

Over the weekend I highlighted a few cap compliant goaltending options that would require waivers before the season starts, and while many of the names on the list have vanished, options like Eric Comrie, Tristan Jarry, and Jon Gillies still remain, among a few others.

As for the immediate training camp needs the Leafs have made the following move…