Former Red Wings and Griffins goaltender Michael Hutchinson finds a tryout opportunity for the upcoming season
Former Detroit Red Wing/NHL journeyman goaltender Michael Hutchinson has found a (potential) home for the coming season, signing a Professional Tryout deal (PTO) to join the New Jersey Devils.
Dec 23, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Detroit Red Wings goaltender Michael Hutchinson (45) makes a save against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential CenterTo call Hutchinson a former Red Wing is technically accurate, though only just. Hutchinson signed a PTO with Detroit at this time last summer and wound up spending the bulk of his season in AHL Grand Rapids in a tandem with Sebastian Cossa. In that capacity, Hutchinson went 14-14-3, with a 2.89 goals against average, .892 save percentage, and two shutouts. Hutchinson made a single NHL appearance a year ago, a spot start that came, coincidentally enough, against the Devils in New Jersey on December 23rd. He made 33 saves on 36 shots in a losing effort.
This summer, the Red Wings brought in Jack Campbell, last of the Edmonton Oilers and Bakersfield Condors, to likely fill the role Hutchinson occupied a year ago as a veteran AHL back-up for Cossa. As such, it should come as no surprise that Hutchinson had to seek out a different opportunity.
New Jersey, of course, won't be counting as Hutchinson as a starter, instead likely bringing him in to serve in a similar capacity to the one he did in Detroit: AHL regular and spot starter if need be in the NHL. The Devils' major offseason goaltending investment came in the form of Jacob Markstrom, whom they acquired from Calgary for a 2025 first round pick and defenseman Kevin Bahl.