In a development that has Toronto Maple Leafs fans holding their breath, the team's goaltending situation has been thrown into flux once more. Starting netminder Joseph Woll is sidelined with a lower-body injury, casting a shadow over the team's recent momentum. However, a surprisingly optimistic update from head coach Craig Berube has provided a much-needed dose of hope for the franchise and its supporters.
Berube's Positive Prognosis Eases Fears
The mood surrounding the team shifted noticeably when Berube addressed the media regarding Woll's condition. Instead of forecasting a lengthy absence, the coach offered a relatively short-term outlook. "He'll be a week. Hopefully. … We're not expecting it to be too long," Berube stated, as reported by The Athletic. For a squad that has navigated considerable uncertainty this season, this glimmer of optimism was a significant relief.
Woll was officially placed on injured reserve this past Saturday. The injury occurred during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, forcing him to exit after the second period. The issue appeared to arise as he made a save. This setback adds to a challenging period for the goaltender, which began with him missing time during training camp due to a personal matter. Despite those hurdles, he had returned to action and was performing strongly.
His statistics for the current campaign underscore his importance: through eight appearances, Woll has secured four wins, a stellar .928 save percentage, and a 2.44 goals against average.
Maple Leafs Turn to Goaltending Depth
With Woll unavailable, the Maple Leafs have been forced to adjust their roster. The team recalled Artur Akhtyamov from the American Hockey League following the IR designation. The immediate starting duties, however, fall to Dennis Hildeby, who has proven to be a reliable option.
Hildeby has maintained a .919 save percentage across seven games this season. His composure was particularly evident in the win over Carolina, where he stepped in for the injured Woll and stopped all nine shots he faced, helping to secure the victory. Teammate Morgan Rielly praised the young goalie's demeanor, telling The Hockey News, "I think (Hildeby's) done an outstanding job. Even though he came in the other night, that's not an easy spot. And he's just been calm and collected. He's played really, really well."
The Significance of Woll's Absence and the Road Ahead
While the team has capable replacements, Woll's absence is still a substantial blow. Last season, he started 41 games and won 27 of them, demonstrating his ability to be a foundational piece in the crease. Since joining the Maple Leafs in the 2021-22 season, he has earned the trust of the organization through steady development and patience. His return to the lineup this season on November 15 had been promising, posting a 4-3-1 record with a 2.30 GAA since his comeback.
The Maple Leafs now look to extend their three-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens. The team has been defensively sound lately, allowing only four goals in its last three contests, and currently holds 29 points in the season standings. How they manage this latest goaltending challenge could be pivotal for their continued success.
