Next up on Maple Leafs’ Backup Goalie Carousel, Curtis McElhinney
The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping Curtis McElhinney will be the answer to the team’s backup goalie situation, as they claimed him from waivers on Tuesday.
Round and round the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ backup goalie carousel has spun this season, and, for some unexplainable reason , it’s become the ride visitors never survive.
Jhonas Enroth, who the team lost all confidence in and traded to the Anaheim Ducks, was banished from the ride, likely because he did not meet the height requirement, while Antoine Bibeau is an occasional visitor that can hop on the carousel when Mike Babcock feels he’s ready too. We’ve also heard rumblings in the past of Kari Ramo possibly getting an opportunity to prove he can handle the backup role, but poor play and injuries have derailed those hopes.
Then there’s Jeff Glass, who was recently released from his PTO with the Marlies, and Garret Sparks, who looks firmly entrenched with the Marlies. Neither of them were in consideration to be the Leafs’ backup goalie, but they were still apart of the organization’s goalie depth. We’ll just say they check your ticket before you hop on the ride and make sure you’re not sneaking on.
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Next up on the carousel — Curtis McElhinney.
After being waived by the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Leafs claimed the 33-year-old goalie and are hoping that he can finally be the one to conquer this death ride. Standing at 6-foot-3, he certainly has the size Babcock prefers, so that’s a promising sign. He’s also said to be an excellent person in the locker room, which is something the Leafs value with their young roster.
In seven games this season, McElhinney posted a .924 save percentage and a 2.39 goals against. Of course, the Blue Jackets unbelievable play has helped him post these solid statistics and they’re way above his career averages of .905 save percentage and 2.96 GAA. However, this move sounds like it has more to do with character than anything.
“He’s been able to sort of sustain what’s necessary from a backup,” Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello said to Jonas Siegel of The Canadian Press. “The character and quality of him is exemplary and he’s had some outstanding games this year. He’s got great size so we felt that this was the right decision at this time.”
It’s no secret the Leafs are going to rely heavily on starter Frederik Andersen this season. But that’s also why a player like McElhinney could be the perfect fit for this team. I might be trying to read between the lines a little too much here, but I’d guess that a veteran player like Enroth wasn’t exactly thrilled about being bounced back and forth between the AHL and NHL, and his attitude likely soured towards Toronto.
With such a young roster, the Leafs have put an emphasis on trying to build a winning environment and it sounds like McElhinney will help Toronto build a winning culture by teaching these young guys how to be professionals, much like Matt Martin has done.
Next: Maple Leafs Trade Enroth to Ducks
So unless McElhinney is horrendous in net, I think the Leafs finally have their backup goaltender and the carousel will stop victimizing everyone who tries to conquer it. How this carousel became so lethal in the first place is puzzling, but I guess the team was just specific with what they were looking for.