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Former Maple Leafs Goalie Finds Fresh Start in Finland
Hockey is a global game. Whatever happened to ex-Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Michael Hutchison? The answer is an interesting surprise.
Michael Hutchinson’s hockey career has had its share of ups and downs, but at 34, he’s proving that his story isn’t over yet. After stints with several NHL teams, Hutchinson has found a new home in Finland’s top league, the SM-liiga, with SaiPa Lappeenranta. Here’s a look at Hutchinson’s journey and his revitalization in Europe.

Hutchinson Had a Rollercoaster NHL Career
Initially drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Hutchinson spent much of his early career in the AHL, bouncing between teams like the Providence Bruins, St. John’s IceCaps, and Manitoba Moose. His NHL debut came in 2014 with the Winnipeg Jets, and he would go on to play for the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, and Detroit Red Wings.
Over the course of 154 NHL games, Hutchinson posted a 2.93 GAA and a .903 save percentage. His best stretch came with Winnipeg, where he played some of the most consistent hockey of his career. However, despite his potential, Hutchinson was often relegated to backup duties, struggling to find consistent playing time in the NHL.
The Turning Point: Mentorship and Reinvention
Hutchinson’s career took a turn in 2022-23 when he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets and worked closely with their goaltending coach, Manny Legace. A former Detroit Red Wings netminder, Legace helped Hutchinson rebuild his game. “We went back to the things that worked in Winnipeg, where I played the best hockey of my career,” Hutchinson explained.
As a coach, Legace focused on improving Hutchinson’s mobility between the posts and aggressively challenging shooters. The new approach reenergized Hutchinson’s playing style. He also swapped his skates for the model he used during his best performances, which helped him regain his confidence in the net.
Hutchinson Found a New Lease on Life in Finland
With no offers from North America in the summer of 2024, Hutchinson decided to explore opportunities in Europe. His move to SaiPa in the SM-liiga has been nothing short of successful. Despite joining a struggling team, Hutchinson’s presence in goal has made a significant difference. With a winning record since his arrival in November, he’s been a key factor in the team’s recent improvement.
“I haven’t had the chance to play consecutive games very often in my career,” Hutchinson said, reflecting on his decision to move to Finland. “When I have, my stats have often been pretty good. It’s much more fun to play than to watch games on the bench.” Hutchinson’s move to SaiPa has not only revived his career but also brought him back to a level of play that makes him one of the league’s more interesting veterans.
A Rejuvenated Hutchinson Looks Forward to His Future
Hutchinson’s time in Finland may be just the beginning of a new chapter in his career. No longer relegated to backup duty, he’s found the freedom to play and challenge shooters with a renewed sense of confidence. As SaiPa continues to improve, Hutchinson’s skill and experience will be valuable to his new team. For now, the former NHL goalie is focused on making the most of his opportunity in Europe, and who knows? The best may be yet to come for Hutchinson.
Even if it’s only for a few seasons, living in Finland is a life adventure.
For Canadian Fans Interested in What Hutchinson’s Life in Finland Might Look Like
As part of my preparation for writing this post, I looked at what life might be like for Canadian hockey players like Hutchinson, who accept a spot on a team in Finland. I looked at the property values, tried to discover his salary, and tried to assess the cost of living. What I found was promising.
Life for an ex-pat professional hockey player in Finland offers a mix of challenges and rewards. The lifestyle is slower-paced than in North America, with a stronger emphasis on community and work-life balance. In a small city like Lappeenranta (where Hutchinson now lives), players often immerse themselves in the local culture, learning Finnish phrases and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Saimaa. While adjusting to a quieter, more isolated environment might be a hurdle, it provides a unique chance to focus on personal growth and the game itself. [By the way, winter in Lappeenranta is milder than in Winnipeg because it’s nearer to the water.]
Hutchinson, playing for SaiPa Lappeenranta in Finland’s Liiga, might earn a salary comparable to €50,000–€250,000 annually (up to CAD 300,000). Teams like SaiPa provide robust support systems, from housing to medical care, ensuring players perform at their best. The hockey culture in Lappeenranta is deeply rooted, with passionate fans and a strong sense of community surrounding the team. For an experienced goalie, this chapter in Finland represents a professional opportunity and an enriching cultural experience.
Hutchinson Likely Didn’t Take His Family with Him
Hutchinson met and married his wife Jenna when he played in Winnipeg. They have built a strong, supportive relationship despite the challenges of living in different countries. Both have their respective careers. Jenna is a driven entrepreneur. She made it clear from the beginning that her business ambitions would remain a priority. Michael has always fully supported that decision.
Their lives are often separated by distance, yet they’ve found ways to make it work, leaning on technology like FaceTime to stay connected with their children. Michael profoundly admires Jenna’s self-motivation and independence, and they push each other to succeed in their respective paths. Both are committed to maintaining their identities. They support each other’s goals, ensuring their bond remains strong despite the demands of their separate careers.
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