Although the Toronto Maple Leafs keep racking up points in the North Division, they have a serious goaltending issue.
Heading into the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs felt like they had their goaltending in control. Pending UFA’s typically seem to perform at their highest degree, so many hoped we’d see the best season yet from Freddie Andersen.
In addition to Andersen, a full season of Jack Campbell was something many Leafs fans looked forward to. In the little action from last season, he performed great, so everyone was excited to see how’d he do as a legitimate back-up to Andersen.
With Andersen and Campbell locked up as the No. 1 and No. 2, the Leafs signed Michael Hutchinson and Aaron Dell for extra insurance, in case of emergency.
Unfortunately, Dell was claimed off waivers before he couldn’t even suit up for the Blue and White, while Hutchinson, who was supposed to be the No. 4 netminder, has played way more than hoped.
With an unknown timeline on Andersen’s return, and a nagging injury clearly bothering Campbell, Hutchinson may be in net way more than expected down the stretch. Sure, the Leafs traded for Veini Vehvilainen already for added help, but with zero NHL experience, you don’t want to relay on him for an important game.
If the Leafs are serious about winning a Stanley Cup, they need better goaltending. Hutchinson is a band-aid, who can stop the bleeding, but he isn’t a permanent fix.
Toronto needs to find another goalie if Campbell and Andersen are going to continue to miss games, or else they’ll be heading to a First Round exit, once again.
Here are three former Toronto Maple Leafs goalies who could return at the NHL Trade Deadline.