Michael Hutchinson has not been good enough for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season and general manager Kyle Dubas has brought in goaltending help. Shortly after a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers, Toronto acquired Jack Campbell and Kyle Clifford from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Trevor Moore, Columbus’ third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and a conditional third-round pick in 2021. Los Angeles will also retain 50 percent of Clifford’s salary for the remainder of the season.
NHL insider Bob McKenzie first mentioned the possibility of the trade scenario on NHL Live prior to Wednesday Night Hockey. McKenzie brought up Dubas’ familiarity with Campbell after he orchestrated a blockbuster trade for the goaltender in junior hockey during his tenure with the Soo Greyhounds.
The Frederik Andersen injury was not as severe as originally expected, but his absence only highlighted the necessity for Toronto to bring in another goaltender.
Before the 2019-20 season, Campbell, 28, signed a two-year extension that carries an average annual value of $1.65 million which will kick in next season.
According to Pierre LeBrun, the conditions on the draft pick in 2021 have to do with the number of wins Campbell records and whether or not Clifford re-signs with Toronto following the season.
Via hockey ops, conditions on the 2021 third:
— LA Kings Insider (@lakingsinsider) February 6, 2020
It can move up to Toronto’s 2nd round pick if they re-sign Clifford or if they make the playoffs and Campbell wins 6 regular season games.
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Scott Charles is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @ScottMCharles.