Toronto Maple Leafs need to figure out their backup goalie situation quickly

The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to move in the right direction under Sheldon Keefe, but they still have a significant question mark hanging over their backup goaltender position.

So far in the 2019/20 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to see the team claim a victory when their backup goaltender is between the pipes.

Michael Hutchinson, who has seen the ice seven times this season, has been credited with a record of 0-5-1, while Kasimir Kaskisuo had an NHL debut to truly forget before being sent back down to the Toronto Marlies.

In the game credited to the team’s backups, the Leafs have conceded 34 goals with Hutchinson holding a save percentage of .876 and Kaskisuo having a .842.

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Starter Frederik Andersen has been the epitome of consistency in Toronto, with this season’s save percentage of .918 matching his career average since moving to the Great White North.

The situation behind Andersen is a huge concern for the organisation, however, with the Danish veteran being used more often in the second game of back-to-backs, including yesterday’s victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

One of the biggest issues the Maple Leafs needed to address this season was Andersen’s workload throughout the campaign.

With such a shaky situation in the backup position, Andersen is once again being required to play too often and when he is eventually rested, the team are not getting the results they need to get their playoff hunt back on track.

Eric Comrie was a name linked in a potential trade with the Leafs before he was moved to the Detroit Red Wings, which could suggest that general manager Kyle Dubas is exploring his options at the position.

A move needs to be made soon, however, as the Leafs can’t expect Andersen to play every game from now until the end of the regular season.

With his injury history, it would be a foolish decision to push the 30-year-old into more minutes rather than manage his playing time. But with such poor performances coming with their backup in the net, the Leafs need to get someone in that can be more reliable so that they can better manage the use of their starter.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs hope to reach the playoffs, and have a fit and ready Frederik Andersen available if they make it, then they need to address their backup situation very soon.

What do you think the team should do Leafs fans? What players would you like to see them trade for? What sort of package would they need to offer to get a deal done? How will it affect the cap? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!