Ex-Maple Leafs Goalie Michael Hutchinson: Where’s He Now? - The Hockey Writers - Maple Leafs History

Michael Hutchinson is an example of what life in the NHL can look like if you’re a good player but not a star player. As a goalie from nearby Barrie, Ontario, Hutchinson was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round (77th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

After kicking around the Bruins’ organization for a few seasons, he was signed by the Winnipeg Jets in July 2013. He made the Jets roster that season, playing three solid games with a record of 2-1-0, a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.64, and a save percentage (SV%) of .943. Things looked good for his success as a young goalie.

Hutchinson’s Best Season Was With the Jets in 2014-15

For one more season, he seemed on track to become a successful NHL goalie. In 2014-15, Hutchinson had his best NHL season ever. In 38 games played, he put together a record of 21-10-5 with a GAA of 2.39 and a SV% of .914.

Michael Hutchinson Toronto Maple Leafs — Michael Hutchinson, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

From there, his game went downhill. Although he didn’t post horrible numbers, his record slipped over the next three seasons. The Jets moved him to the American Hockey League (AHL), but he eventually signed with the Florida Panthers in July 2018.

Hutchinson Becomes Goalie Insurance With the Maple Leafs

Just before Christmas 2018, Maple Leafs starting goalie Frederik Andersen suffered a groin injury. At the same time, backup goalie Garret Sparks took a shot off the mask during practice and was under concussion protocol. With both Maple Leafs goalies injured, general manager Kyle Dubas traded the team’s fifth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft for Hutchinson.

Hutchinson immediately became the starter and played two games. He played well, giving his team a chance to win in his first game and then beating the Vancouver Canucks in his second game. Although he was only playing because the Maple Leafs had no better option and nowhere else to turn, Hutchinson shut out the Canucks 5-0 on home ice.

Hutchinson was happy. After the game, he admitted, “It’s awesome (playing for the Maple Leafs), it’s an amazing feeling, something you grow up thinking about as a kid, and for it to happen is hard to put words to.”

Over the next two seasons, Hutchinson became a yo-yo between the Toronto Marlies and the Maple Leafs. He provided insurance in case the Maple Leafs were in desperate need.

Hutchinson Jumps to Denver to Help the Avalanche

However, in late Feb. 2020, when the Colorado Avalanche also ran into goalie troubles, Hutchinson was traded from the Maple Leafs to the Avalanche for defenseman Calle Rosen. Hutchinson helped the Avalanche extend their Stanley Cup run that season by winning Games 5 and 6 against the Dallas Stars in the Edmonton bubble. However, the Avalanche eventually lost in Game 7.

Hutchinson Returns to the Maple Leafs’ Organization

At the start of the 2020 regular season, the Maple Leafs re-signed Hutchinson again as insurance. Again, he moved up and down between the NHL’s Maple Leafs and the AHL’s Marlies for a few seasons.

Hutchinson played 28 games with the Marlies in 2021-22. He posted an 11-10-5 record, with a 3.23 GAA and an .899 SV%. He wasn’t re-signed by the organization.

Hutchinson Moves to the Nevada Desert

In July 2022, Hutchinson signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. He entered the season as the fourth goalie on the Golden Knights’ organizational depth chart. Once again, the then-32-year-old Hutchinson was goalie insurance. That meant he didn’t see much NHL ice time.

On Oct. 1, the Golden Knights waived Hutchinson and moved him to their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights. Hutchinson was paid the NHL league minimum of $750,000 by appearing in the NHL. However, he was also paid $400,000 to play in the desert with the Silver Knights. On Oct. 5, 2022, Vegas recalled Hutchinson to the NHL but didn’t see action. He was the Golden Knights’ third-string goalie behind Logan Thompson and Adin Hill. The Golden Knights’ regular starter, Robin Lehner, had been out with a hip injury.

Hutchinson’s Goalie Journey Continues with the Red Wings

On Dec. 19, 2023, Hutchinson signed with the Detroit Red Wings organization. In 2023-24, he completed his first season with the Red Wings’ AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, marking his 14th year as a professional goaltender. Throughout the season, Hutchinson compiled a 14-14-3 record with two shutouts, a 2.89 GAA, and a .892 SV% in 32 games. In addition to his AHL duties, he played a single game in the NHL with the Red Wings, delivering a solid performance with 33 saves in a narrow 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils.

Hutchinson’s season stats reflect a goaltender who remains a steady presence between the pipes. With the Griffins, he contributed with his experience and key saves in critical moments, earning two shutouts and even recording an assist. Despite the loss, his NHL outing showed he still can compete at the highest level, boasting a .917 save percentage in that single appearance.

This Coming 2024-25 Season Is Iffy for Hutchinson

Now an unrestricted free agent, Hutchinson’s future is uncertain, but his track record suggests he still has something to offer. Over the past three seasons, his journey has taken him from the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL to brief stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings in the NHL. His stats reveal a veteran goaltender who has faced both challenges and successes, adapting to various roles across different teams.

Here’s hoping to add more to his pilgrim journies in a year’s time.

Hutchinson Lived His Dream in Toronto

Hutchinson might never play another NHL game. Last season, he played in one game for the Red Wings and had a 3.11 GAA in it. From the outside, he has been little more than a journeyman goalie, but it also seems as if he’s had a good life playing the game he’s loved.

During his time with the Maple Leafs, the Barrie, Ontario, native shared that playing with the Blue and White was a dream he’d always had. That dream came true. He had that chance, and he probably carries some good memories with him because of it.