4 Players Toronto Maple Leafs Could Lose in Expansion Draft
No. 4: Michael Hutchinson
Seattle is going to draft a minimum of three goalies during their expansion draft, not only for their NHL team, but for their AHL team as well.
Toronto was looking into the future when they gave Hutchinson a two-year deal last offseason, because they already knew that he would be the goalie that they would expose in the draft. Instead of exposing Jack Campbell, the team can happily let Hutchinson go to Seattle.
If Seattle drafted Hutchinson, that would be the best-case scenario for Toronto.
Hutchinson is the Toronto Maple Leafs fourth-string goalie, but could be the back-up or third-string goalie on a brand-new franchise, if that’s what Seattle wanted to do. The Vegas Golden Knights managed to become a powerhouse right away, but that probably won’t be the same situation for the Kraken.
Instead, they’ll most likely tank for a few years to continue to rebuild the franchise with draft picks. Hutchinson can provide Seattle a steady back-up goalie, but more than likely, can be their AHL goalie for a few years.
Hutchinson has shown that he has NHL capabilities but on a good team, he’s best suited as the third or fourth goalie.
Next. 2021-22 Leafs Projected Lineup. dark
It wouldn’t be shocking at all to see Seattle draft Hutchinson, as the goalie market isn’t too strong heading into the expansion draft.