Yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Minnesota Wild while starting the newest Maple Leaf, Micheal Hutchinson in net, with Kasimir Kaskisuo backing him up. Frederik Andersen was placed on injured reserve retroactively, and Garret Sparks is still being checked out under the team’s concussion protocol.

Maple Leafs call up Michael Hutchinson and Kasimir Kaskisuo

After the game, coach Mike Babcock made a comment that left us wanting a bigger explanation.

Another goalie? Well this doesn’t sound good. The Newfoundland Growlers also made a move:

So, what are the Leafs’ options?

Mike McKenna is on waivers right now. He was traded to the Canucks by the Senators on Wednesday afternoon. He’s played 10 NHL games this season with Ottawa, with a 3.96GAA and 0.897 save percentage. He also has 6 AHL games in Belleville, posting 2.72GAA and 0.914sv%.

McKenna’s been a career AHL goalie ever since leaving St. Lawrence University in 2005, so spending time with the Marlies wouldn’t be anything new to him.

Steve Mason is still unsigned, but there’s no way he would sign on for anything but a guaranteed NHL role.

Maybe the Leafs could trade with Arizona to get Calvin Pickard back? Maybe Babcock was just spitballing out loud and Sparks will be back for tomorrow night’s game?

When it comes to the Leafs and goalies, it’s anyone’s guess these days.

Here’s The News

Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson and Montreal’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi got tangled up in last night’s game:

Jack Eichel is injured? Oh Heavens to Betsy!

Eichel Day-To-Day With Injury

Sidney Crosby gave a fan with some pretty lame chirps a signed stick, encouraging hundreds of drunks to try to get one of their own.

Sidney Crosby autographs stick for Rangers fan who chirped him

Damien Cox is without a home. Maybe he could join a certain Leafs blog.

Sports Media Stories to Watch in 2019: Damien Cox

Enjoy your day, everyone!

From The Branches