Michael Hutchinson is going to be traded.

The insiders were talking about the possibility a month ago, and they were talking about it again this past weekend.

It’s not a case of “if” the Winnipeg Jets are going to trade Michael Hutchinson, it’s a matter of “when” they trade him.

Right now thoughts of a trade have been hampered by a Steve Mason injury that forced an Eric Comrie call-up to the big club that put Hutchinson squarely in the role of starter for the Manitoba Moose who have been rolling the last month or so due in large part to the solid goaltending they’ve gotten from Comrie and Hutch.

In fact, Hutchinson is coming off a month where he was just named the CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month for November.

Now Mason has been cleared to return to the Jets lineup, but an injury to Hutchinson himself seems to be throwing a possible wrench into the Jets plans. There hasn’t been any word on how severe or what the nature of the injury is other than a last minute pull from their game against Milwaukee this past Sunday

But let’s look past the delays and injuries.

As mentioned, it’s not a matter of if a deal will ne made, but when and the question is, what kind of deal will it be? There isn’t a shortage of possible suitors for a very capable NHL backup goalie. The Edmonton Oilers seem to be on the top of the list for needing a backup tender, but teams like Carolina, Florida and Pittsburgh have also been mentioned as possible landing spots as each of those clubs searches for backup options due to injuries.

Arctic Spas is a proud partner of the Nation Network. Looking for a way to stay warm during hockey season? Check out a local dealer near you.