TORONTO TRADES FOR GOALTENDER HUTCHINSON
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Michael Hutchinson from the Florida Panthers for a fifth-round draft pick in 2020.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
For Toronto, this trade was necessary due to the team's lack of depth at the goaltending position (mostly because they lost both Curtis McElhinney and Calvin Pickard to waivers prior to the start of the 2018-19 regular season). To that end, Hutchinson should provide solid organizational depth and may see NHL time if injuries mount.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
Florida decided to take back a fifth rounder in '20 in exchange for Hutchinson's services, which should accelerate the development of top goaltending prospect Samuel Montembeault a tad. Hutchinson was expensive for a third stringer ($1.5 million cap hit) and has an expiring contract, so dealing him was a no-brainer here.
Fantasy impact
There is no fantasy impact here, as Hutchinson will likely spend most of the rest of '18-19 with the AHL's Toronto Marlies (or at the end of the Maple Leafs' bench as an emergency backup).
Player focus
Florida Panthers
a fifth-round draft pick in 2019
