Toronto Maple Leafs: The Toronto Marlies sign Dryden McKay


Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas noted the goal depth issues that have plagued the entire organization down to the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers.

After many injuries and play not one but two emergency goalies in an AHL gameThe Toronto Maple Leafs AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, have signed Hobey Baker-winning goalie Dryden Mckay to a two-year deal.

Mckay, 25, brings some outside blood to an organization that desperately needs new goalkeepers. He is coming off a 38-5-0 record with a .931 save percentage and consecutive Frozen Four appearances for the Minnesota State Mavericks. (statistics hockeydb.com).

Before playing for Minnesota State, McKay played in both the NAHL and USHL. In college, he never posted a savings percentage below .917. If McKay’s contract was with the Marlies, he won’t count toward any of the Leafs’ remaining spots. He, too, won’t get an NHL-style signing bonus.

Toronto Maple Leafs and Dryden McKay

First of all, I just want to say one thing: I called him.

Now, let’s talk about what this means for the Leafs both this season and beyond.

Let’s get this out of the way: Dryden Mckay will not play for either the Leafs or the Marlies this season, as he is currently serving a suspension from the US Anti-Doping Agency. According to McKay’s attorney, if McKay couldn’t prove the positive test was an accident, he would have received a four-year suspension. Instead, McKay received six months.

After being selected as an alternate to Team USA for the 2022 Olympics, Mckay began taking an immune-boosting vitamin. The vitamins he was taking were contaminated with a banned substance known as Ostarine. Mckay convinced an umpire that he was not doping on purpose and was allowed to finish his final season at Minnesota State.

While the ban extends through the summer, he will be allowed to participate in training camp and the entire upcoming season should he make the team. The first day you will be able to enter the team facilities will be August 25.

With Joseph Woll still missing in action, goalkeepers currently on the Marlies include Ian Scott, Michael Hutchinson, Carter Hutton and Andrew D’agostini. This isn’t exactly an inspiring group.

Woll is still out with a shoulder injury and hasn’t played since St. Patrick’s Day.

With Jack Campbell about to hit unrestricted free agency, the Leafs may need to make another move here. There’s always a chance that a team in need of goalies will outbid the cap-wearing Leafs. That said, with Campbell’s age and injury history, bidders may be limited.

As I’ve said in the past, a good contract for Campbell would be around three years for $10 million. McKay would be 28 years old when he finished the contract.

As for the other goalies we’ve seen for the Leafs this year, expect Petr Mrazek to be out of season. Mrazek couldn’t stay healthy and the Leafs will need that money with all the free agents coming off the books this year. Mrazek has a modified no-trade clause. Erik Kallgren promises. He’s very hot and cold, but I’m curious to see what happens to him next season with Mrazek out of the picture.

Ideally, Jack Campbell will re-sign and remain the starting goalie and the organization will have competition for the backup spot.




Reference-editorinleaf.com

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