Toronto Maple Leafs: Has Michael Hutchinson Secured the Backup Job?

Only five days into training camp, the Toronto Maple Leafs may have their backup netminder already figured out.

Not much has been said about the backup goaltender battle at Toronto Maple Leafs training camp. Five goalies are still at camp, Frederik Andersen, Michael Hutchinson, Michal Neuvirth, Brandon Halverson and Kasimir Kaskisuo.

Out of those five, Andersen has the starting job, but who could be the backup?

Halverson and Kaskisuo are more than likely going down to the Marlies, Halverson maybe even to the ECHL. Hutchinson and Neuvirth are likely the two that will battle it out for the backup spot.

It’s likely that the net-minder who will get the second spot could already be Hutchinson. After Neuvirth wasn’t on the list within the two groups, there were questions about a possible injury.

Mike Babcock addressed the matter after Neuvirth and recovering Zach Hyman and Travis Dermott came off the ice, “obviously it’s not ideal for him. If he wants to battle for a job, he’s gotta be in the position to do that. But he’s also gotta be healthy.”

Neuvirth’s injury troubles coming back to haunt him?

If you didn’t know, Neuvirth is known to suffer a number of injuries. Since the start of the 2018/19 season, Neuvirth has been injured four times. If you want to count the flu as an injury, then you could say five.

The unfortunate buildup of injuries within the past year and a half may have put his chances of making the Leafs roster in jeopardy. However, this could possibly also be a slight bump in the road, that a days rest can fix.

With Andersen and Hutchinson being in the separate groups, where would Neuvirth slot in? He could very well be a part of the second group, who will face the Ottawa Senators tomorrow night. If he misses that game, it will be a significant blow to his chances of making the opening night roster.

This would be unfortunate for a player who’s had a reasonable NHL career. If he doesn’t make the Toronto Maple Leafs roster, there’s two possibilities for him. One, Toronto signs him to an AHL contract with the Marlies. Two, they send him packing his bags.

Either way, this will feel like a missed opportunity for the 31 year-old. This could be one of his final chances at securing a spot on an NHL roster. Whether or not he can, all depends on if he plays tonight.

If he does, he will likely still be apart of the process of fighting for the backup job. If he doesn’t play, that may be the possible tipping point for Babcock. If so, this could be the one that got away for Neuvirth.