Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll is stepping away from the team to deal with a family matter, and there’s no set date for when he’ll be back. The news came straight from Leafs GM Brad Treliving on Tuesday.
This could be a real headache for the Leafs as they head into the new season.
Woll has been a rock for Toronto, putting up impressive numbers as the team’s backup last year. He started 41 games and posted a solid .909 save percentage, winning 27 of his 42 appearances.
That’s no fluke either. The 27-year-old has been consistently good throughout his NHL career, with a .910 save percentage across 78 games.
“No additional details will be provided at this time, and we ask that [Woll’s] privacy be respected,” the Leafs said in a statement. Treliving made it clear this isn’t related to substance abuse.
With Woll out, the pressure falls on Anthony Stolarz to carry the load. While Stolarz has been incredible when healthy – he’s led the league in save percentage two years running – staying on the ice has been his biggest challenge.
Last year was actually Stolarz’s busiest NHL season ever, with 34 starts. But even then, he missed nearly two months after knee surgery.
So who’s next in line?
Right now, it’s Dennis Hildeby. The towering 6-foot-7 Swedish goalie got his first taste of NHL action last year, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. He went 3-3 in six starts with a shaky .872 save percentage.
There’s reason for hope though. Hildeby was an AHL All-Star last season and has shown real promise in the minors.
Still, the Leafs might need to look elsewhere if Woll’s absence stretches on. They’ve got no other NHL-experienced goalies in their system, and with Stolarz’s injury history, that’s pretty risky.
Don’t be surprised if Treliving starts making some calls or keeping an eye on the waiver wire in the coming weeks.
