Correct me if I'm wrong here (and I sure you d-bags will)....we could have plucked him off waivers last week at no cost, but didn't? Then gave up a draft pick?
You are correct.
1. We had a full roster last week, so technically we couldn't pick him up on waivers because we had no space. They could have sent down Saad though, considering they weren't playing him anyway.
2. I think there is something up with Hutton. Either they expect a lengthy suspension or he injured his hand in the brawl or something. I don't see how this move makes sense at this time unless there are questions about Hutton's status to play within the coming weeks -- which he did not dress last game against the Texas Stars (Simpson started, Richards backed up).
Bottom line, when Karlsson was available for free last week, there was no need for a goaltender. Something changed since last week and the most obvious answer points to the GRG brawl as the catalyst, then Hutton unavailable to play against Texas, and eventually Simpson getting lit up in the next game. Maybe that game was the final straw for management on the goalie situation in Rockford, who knows... it has been fairly mediocre for a majority of the season.
Maybe IHF could shed some light on what's going on with Hutton.
