from Michael Traikos of the National Post,

When Toronto started the season with four of its forwards accounting for 50% of the salary cap, everyone expected that the defence would suffer the most from the financial imbalance.

Instead, it’s the backup goaltender.

The Maple Leafs waived Michael Hutchinson earlier this week after he went his first six games without a win. They were paying him $700,000. His replacement, Kasimir Kaskisuo, will earn $25,000 less.

They say you get what you pay for. And in Toronto’s case, that’s so true.

Had Hutchinson won half his games, the Leafs would be in first place in the Atlantic Division. Instead, they entered Wednesday night’s game against the New York Islanders barely clinging to the final wild-card spot in the East.

Every game counts. You might be able to make the playoffs without a $3 million backup. But you might not lock up home-ice advantage — or have a rested starter for the post-season.

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