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Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Goalies That Should Replace Freddie Andersen

By Stephen Nixon

COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 20: Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save during the third period of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 20, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Toronto 4-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 20: Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save during the third period of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on December 20, 2017 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Toronto 4-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
COLUMBUS, OH – DECEMBER 20: Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save during the third period of the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs  . (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Joonas Korpisalo

Merzlinkins would be a good grab for the Leafs, but Korpisalo would be even better. If the Leafs can convince Columbus to move on from him, they should jump on that opportunity for multiple reasons.

Firstly, his salary cap-hit is awesome. At $2.8M fthrough 2021-22, the Leafs could have one of the best and cheapest goaltender duo’s in the NHL with Campbell and Korpisalo. With only $4.6 tied up in netminders, the Leafs would be able to re-sign Zach Hyman and improve elsewhere.

If you remember the NHL Bubble, which many Leafs fans are probably trying to forget, Korpisalo was unbelievable. If it wasn’t for his performance, Toronto would have advanced and won their first playoff series in 16 years.

Korpisalo had two shutouts against the Leafs and was almost able to upset the Tampa Bay Lightning all by himself. After having an 85-save (!!!) performance, it felt like Korpisalo was running on fumes for the remainder of the series, before ultimately losing in five games.

It may have just been nine playoff games, but Korpisalo proved that he can play his best hockey at the biggest moments and help his team to victory. That’s unfortunately something Andersen hasn’t shown the Toronto Maple Leafs in his timeframe here, so a trade for Korpisalo could give Toronto some peace of mind heading into the post-season.

His stats are a little worse than Andersen’s career numbers, but that shouldn’t shy the Leafs away from making a deal. His ability to show the hockey world that he’s clutch in the playoffs and small cap-hit should make him a perfect fit in Toronto.

dark. Next. 4 Defenseman Leafs Could Trade For

Korpisalo played every one of his playoff games at Scotiabank Arena last year, so he’s familiar with the space and has shown that he can excel there. If the team gave him that same opportunity again this year, he could be the difference-maker in the Toronto Maple Leafs being upset in the First Round or winning the Stanley Cup.

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