Former Leafs netminder announces his NHL retirement
Per Thunder Bay's ChronicleJournal.com, Thunder Bay, Ontario native and former Leafs goaltender Carter Hutton has announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday, ending a 10-year NHL career.
Hutton had been acquired by the Leafs from the Arizona Coyotes back in February as added goaltending insurance for their playoff run. The Leafs had originally allowed Hutton to remain in Arizona with his family rather than recalling him to Toronto. Ultimately, the Leafs' playoffs ended early yet again, and with Hutton being a pending UFA he had a big decision to make for his future. He had the following to say regarding his career in the NHL.
"Honestly, I've been preparing myself for hockey to be over in some aspect for a while. The NHL has evolved into a young man's league. The average age in the league is now in the early 20s, so I knew that this job wouldn't be a lifelong one for me.
"Ultimately, I suffered an ankle injury in early 2021, which made the decision a lot easier for me. It restricted a lot of the mobility I needed to be as effective as I once was. This, compiled with a few other things helped me decide on retirement."
"Ultimately, I suffered an ankle injury in early 2021, which made the decision a lot easier for me. It restricted a lot of the mobility I needed to be as effective as I once was. This, compiled with a few other things helped me decide on retirement."
Hutton, 36, played 234 games in his career, split between Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Buffalo and Arizona. While his career ended in Toronto, he never actually played a game for the Leafs or the AHL's Toronto Marlies.
Best of luck to Hutton on whatever comes next.
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