Michael Hutchinson has retired, and Scott Arniel now welcomes a familiar Winnipeg Jets goalie into the alumni ranks.
The 36-year-old ends a professional career that lasted 15 seasons, including 11 years and 154 appearances in the NHL.
Hutchinson played for 6 NHL teams, working as a backup, injury replacement and organizational depth option through constant roster changes.
His strongest run came in Winnipeg. After signing with the Jets in 2013, he broke through before Connor Hellebuyck claimed the crease.
Hutchinson went 21-10-5 with a .914 save percentage and a 2.38 goals-against average in 2014-15, finishing eighth in Calder Trophy voting.
Across 102 games with Winnipeg, he posted a 43-39-11 record, a .910 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average.
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Former Maple Leafs goalie Michael Hutchinson calls it a career
His career became far more nomadic after leaving the Jets. Florida, Toronto, Colorado, Columbus and Detroit each gave him another opportunity.
The Maple Leafs acquired Hutchinson from the Panthers in December 2018. He later appeared in 30 games for Toronto, going 10-15-2.
His most memorable postseason work came with Colorado in 2020. Hutchinson entered 4 playoff games, earned 2 wins and recorded a .910 save percentage.
He later returned to Toronto before finishing his NHL journey with stops in Columbus and Detroit. His final league appearance came during the 2023-24 season.
Hutchinson spent his last professional campaign with SaiPa Lappeenranta in Finland, appearing in 24 games with an .886 save percentage.
Career-wise, he finished 57-62-18 with a .902 save percentage and a 2.94 goals-against average. Those numbers reflect a goalie who repeatedly earned another call despite never holding a crease long term.
The Jets have invited Hutchinson back for an alumni game in October. It's a fitting return to the city where he found his best rhythm, his largest role and the defining stretch of his NHL career.
Did Michael Hutchinson have his best NHL years with the Winnipeg Jets?
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