Martin Marincin
Martin Marincin has been a pleasant surprise for the Maple Leafs. For his position in the lineup, he has been a surprisingly effective defenseman. He also happens to be an affordable player for the team. Marincin earns $700k this year and the same next season.
Marincin doesn’t necessarily pass the eye test in terms of the way he plays the game. His advanced stats tell another story. A deep dive into those numbers suggest that Marincin is defensively sound and an impactful player for the Leafs.
#Leafs signed Martin Marincin to a one-year contract extension worth $700,000
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) January 10, 2020
Giving Marincin the one-year extension he signed in January, was evidence of the Maple Leafs confidence in the blueliner. It appears as though they are prepared to roll with him for the foreseeable future.
Chances of being dealt prior to the trade deadline: 5%
Michael Hutchinson
Michael Hutchinson has been at the center of many rumours surrounding the Maple Leafs. This is because there is no secret to his struggles and the team’s need for a more consistent backup goaltender.
The name linked most often with Hutchinson’s is Alexander Georgiev. It is believed that Dubas had and may still have an interest in the New York Rangers stopper.
Though the demand for Georgiev may be too rich for Toronto, if they were to acquire him, it would likely mean sending Hutchinson the other way. In most scenarios, trading for a goaltender at the deadline means the end of Hutch’s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs (though not necessarily via a trade.)
Chances of being dealt prior to the trade deadline: 30%