Maple Leafs lose young goaltender to Los Angeles Kings organization
The Maple Leafs have lost a young goaltending prospect as Dryden McKay has officially inked a deal with the Los Angeles Kings organization on Friday.
The Kings' AHL affiliates, the Ontario Reign, made the announcement official this afternoon, confirming McKay's commitment for the 2024-25 season.
The 2020-21 Hobey Baker Award winner is a 26 year old goalie who predominately played for the Leafs' now former ECHL affiliate, the Newfoundland Grolwers. The Illinois native put up 8 wins, a .897 SV%, and a 3.38 GAA in 35 games with the Growlers last season.
McKay did see some time with the Marlies in the past, as he suited up for 2 games with the AHL affiliate in Toronto in the 2022-2023 season.
It is not abnormal for NHL goaltending prospects to spend time in the ECHL. As an example, former Maple Leaf Jack Campbell spent an entire season in the ECHL in 2014-15, before becoming an NHL regular 4 years later in 2018-19.
As Dryden McKay is a former Hobey Baker winner, there may be some potential that has yet to be unlocked for the young goalie. Let's hope the Maple Leafs did not miss out on a diamond in the rough here.
The Source: HockeyDBDryden McKay Statistics
| POLL | ||
12 JUILLET | 389 ANSWERS Maple Leafs lose young goaltender to Los Angeles Kings organization Can Dryden McKay ever become a full time NHL starter or backup goalie? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 21.6 % |
| No | 154 | 39.6 % |
| Who? | 151 | 38.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
