Michael Hutchinson (ice hockey)

Lore & Background

Hutchinson was traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche on February 24, 2020, in exchange for Calle Rosén. He joined the Avalanche to cover for injured goaltender Philipp Grubauer and served as the backup to Pavel Francouz. On his 30th birthday, March 2, 2020, he recorded his first win with the team, making 17 saves in a 2–1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The season was soon halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hutchinson later returned as the club's third choice goaltender for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.

During the second round, after injuries to both Grubauer and Francouz, Hutchinson made his playoff debut in relief of Francouz, making three saves in a 5–4 defeat to the Dallas Stars on August 30, 2020. Entering Game 5 with the Avalanche down 3–1 in the series, he made his first start and recorded 31 saves to earn his first-career postseason victory on August 31, 2020. He became just the seventh goaltender in NHL history to win his first two starts while facing elimination, helping the Avalanche level the series 3–3 with a 4–1 victory in Game 6 on September 2, 2020. He was unable to advance the Avalanche to the conference finals, suffering a 5–4 overtime defeat in his fourth career post-season appearance on September 4, 2020.

Reader's Guide

Hutchinson's tenure with the Colorado Avalanche was brief but notable for his unexpected role in the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. Acquired as an emergency replacement for injured starters, he stepped into a high-pressure situation when both Philipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz were unavailable. His performance in the second-round series against the Dallas Stars—winning his first two career playoff starts while the Avalanche faced elimination—placed him in a select group of NHL goaltenders. Though the Avalanche ultimately lost the series in overtime of Game 7, Hutchinson's contributions helped force a decisive game after the team had fallen behind 3–1. His time with Colorado marked the only playoff appearances of his NHL career. After the season, he left as a free agent and returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hutchinson's stint with the Avalanche is remembered as a brief but impactful chapter in a journeyman career that spanned eleven NHL seasons and six teams.

Did You Know?

• Hutchinson was selected by the Boston Bruins in the third round, 77th overall, of the 2008 NHL entry draft.
• He made his NHL debut on April 7, 2014, in a 1–0 loss to the Minnesota Wild.
• Hutchinson formally announced his retirement on July 28, 2026.