Sheldon Keefe has made a few significant roster changes since being hired as the 31st coach in Maple Leafs history, such as playing Spezza as the team's 3rd line C, shifting Kerfoot over to the left wing, adding Tyson Barrie to the Leafs' top PP unit and moving Zach Hyman from left wing to right wing.
Now it appears that the new bench boss wants to give backup goaltender Michael Hutchinson another look in the NHL, recalling Hutch and returning backstop Kasimir Kaskisuo to the AHL Toronto Marlies.
Neither Kaskisuo, nor Hutchinson has recorded a win at the NHL level this season, but both have looked great in AHL action this season. Through 8 starts in the AHL, Kaskisuo has posted a 2.13 GAA to go along with a .928 save percentage. Meanwhile, through his 3 AHL starts, Hutchinson has been absolutely stellar, posting a 1.95 GAA and a .942 save percentage, warranting a call-up to the big club.
Former bench boss Mike Babcock's philosophy of starting the backup goaltender on the second half of back-to-back games never made things easy on Hutchinson, who only saw action behind a tired group of miserable players under Babcock. Perhaps, given the recent coaching change, things might look a little brighter for Hutchinson under the umbrella of a new coach, who seems to be taking a much more progressive approach.
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This assumed flexibility that Zeisberger is referring to may indeed help solidify things in net for the Maple Leafs, who have looked a lot more dialed in during their previous two games, both road wins.
If the Buds can get two goaltenders rolling and begin picking up points in back to back game situations, that could be a real difference-maker. Not only could we see the Leafs back in the playoff picture, but perhaps the potential for extra points could be bridge the gap between a playoff berth and home ice advantage.
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