After a rough 2016-17 season, and taking a relegation to the minors from the Winnipeg Jets at the start of this year, Michael Hutchinson has been absolutely lights out down in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose.
Hutchinson was fresh off a new two year contract, and backup to a new face in the NHL named Connor Hellebuyck. He was not putting up the right numbers to stick with the Jets. He was sent to the Moose for this season, and was taking a lesser role to yet another young player. This time in the AHL and to Eric Comrie. Although he was taking a smaller role, but that didn’t mean his numbers aren’t there. Hutch is now the starting goaltender for the Moose due to Comrie being recalled to replace an injured Steve Mason. Hutchinson has nine wins, one loss, and one OT loss. His goals against average is crazy, at 1.82, and his save percentage is at .947. He has already caught the eyes of NHL teams in need of goalies.
According to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet, the Oilers could have some interest with starter Cam Talbot out, and a brutal start to the season.
The Oilers would likely be looking to replace Laurent Broissoit, and use Hutch as a starter until Talbot returns.
Related Story: Matt Hendricks - Becoming a Jets Fan Favourite
Another possible destination could be Buffalo. Buffalo has been suffering in terms of goalies, and it’s definitely time for them to look for somebody to replace Robin Lehner and Chad Johnson. Florida could also look to snag him from the Jets with Luongo out, and James Reimer being very inconsistent, so a phone call from Florida to the Jets could spark a trade, or at least some talks.
For Hutchinson and the Winnipeg Jets, it’s in the best interest of both parties to move on and get a trade going, because with Hellebuyck, Mason, and Comrie in the way, Hutch won’t be playing on the Jets anytime soon.