The Toronto Maple Leafs placed Joey MacDonald on waivers Tuesday with the intention of sending the goaltender to the American Hockey League.
MacDonald is expected to be the starting goaltender with Toronto’s AHL affiliate, the Marlies, after an impressive — albeit brief — pre-season audition from Jonas (The Monster) Gustavsson. The move ensures that the Swedish netminder will start the season with the big club, backing up Vesa Toskala in goal.
The 29-year-old MacDonald signed a one-year contract with the Leafs last month after the team dealt Justin Pogge to the Anaheim Ducks.
Last season, the Pictou, N.S., native went 14-26-6 in 49 games with the New York Islanders, posting a 3.37 goals against average and .901 save percentage.
