Toronto originally singed Finnish-born Kasmir Kaskisuo back in March of the 2015-16 season. Since then, Kaskisuo has had a very goalie-typical up and down start to his professional career. Ultimately, the Leafs decided now was the appropriate time to give Kaskisuo a shot because of two factors: Michael Hutchinson’s inability to make big saves in tough back-to-back situations, and Kaskisuo’s hot 6-1-1 (.928 Sv%) with the Marlies.
Last season, while Michael Hutchinson was called up to the Leafs at the end of the regular season to back up in favour of Garret Sparks, who remained with the Leafs as the third option, Kaskisuo was promoted to Marlies starter for the playoffs.