Maple Leafs Unclear About Andersen Return, Make Goalie Choice Anyway

Elliotte Friedman noted during Saturday’s Headlines report that the goaltending situation in Toronto is somewhat unclear and confusing. He was advised that the Toronto Maple Leafs don’t believe goaltender Frederik Andersen is not likely in jeopardy of missing the remainder of the season, but he is undergoing a variety of different tests and is out indefinitely.

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Friedman says that everyone is watching wondering what is going on. As Andersen is nowhere to be found on the ice and undergoing “different evaluations”, a nagging lower-body injury is starting to become a real concern for the team. That said, Friedman also notes that Toronto is not actively searching the trade market for another goaltender either which means they think he will return this season.

The NHL insider says that GM Kyle Dubas has spoken with other teams about their goaltending situation and passed along that the Leafs aren’t planning to add another backstop “unless they absolutely have to.” For now, no Leafs trade before April 12th will include a backstop.

Leafs Rolling With What They Have

The Maple Leafs have been very happy with Jack Campbell since returning from his own injury and Michael Hutchinson has much-improved when thrown into action this season. With Veini Vehvilainen as their depth option, this is the trio the Leafs are going to roll with.

What’s interesting is that without cap room, unless Andersen lands on Long-Term Injured Reserve, the Leafs won’t have the option to replace him, even if they wanted to.

It’s not clear what’s going on with Andersen and when he’ll be back, but the Maple Leafs plan, at this point, is to just wait.

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