As expected, Michael Hutchinson has cleared waivers, and unlike Martin Marincin, who is still on the Leafs, he’ll need to be immediately sent to the AHL in order to make room for Zach Hyman.

Hutchinson, who had a successful AHL season last year, joins rookie Joseph Woll, who has so far been used mostly in the second half of back-to-backs, so they’ll have lots to talk about.

The Marlies have just finished their Royal Winter Fair road trip, and play The Texas Stars at home this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Both games are at 4 p.m.

The Marlies last met the Stars when they swapped 100°F in Texas in June for 32°C in Toronto, and won the Calder Cup. The three stars of that final game were Garret Sparks, Andreas Johnsson and Mason Marchment. Things change fast in the minors.

So far this year, the Marlies lead their division and are fourth in the league with 19 points in 13 games. Texas, no longer the powerhouse they were, are last with eight points in 14 games.

Toronto Marlies