Former Red Wings goalie Hutchinson accepts a PTO Offer From Devils

Michael Hutchinson, one of the players in Detroit’s goalie mix last season, has signed a PTO to attend the New Jersey Devils training camp this month.

The 34-year-old netminder was unofficially Detroit’s No. 4 goalie last season, and ended up playing most of the season on the Grand Rapids Griffins. But he did play one game for the Red Wings, a 3-2 loss to the Devils. Perhaps that was enough to persuade the Devils to bring the veteran into their camp. It begins Sept. 18.

Hutchinson played 1 game in goal with New Jersey, which he also started.

Hutchinson also played 32 games in goal for Grand Rapids of the AHL, starting all 32 times and being pulled 2 times. https://t.co/tBcEZG6ez6

— LinesLinesLines (@CcCMiddleton) September 5, 2024

Hutchinson logged 32 games for the Griffins last season, posting a 2.89 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. He owned a 14-14-2 record in a role that included some mentoring of young Detroit prospect Sebastian Cossa.

The Red Wings have Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, Ville Husso and Jack Campbell under contract. Coach Derek Lalonde will allow them to compete for the starter’s job. The presumption is that Campbell will end up playing with Cossa in Grand Rapids. Campbell has a strong reputation for being a buttoned-up professional and an excellent teammate.

But injuries could change the scenario as much as performance does. Campbell has 176 NHL games on his resume. It’s not unthinkable he could end up in Detroit, depending upon how well he is playing.

Hutchinson has played 154 NHL games for six different NHL teams (Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Red Wings).

On New Jersey, he is a potential No. 3 goalie behind Jacob Markstrom (acquired this offseason) and  Jake Allen. If the Devils don’t sign him, Hutchinson has at least showcased himself for other teams in the league to consider