The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t even performed their first recreation of the 2024-25 season but and already they’re making headlines with goalie information and on the harm entrance.
Hypothesis began swirling late Wednesday morning forward of the group’s opening night time recreation in Montreal when goalie prospect Dennis Hildeby was seen exiting the group’s bus. Because the information continued to interrupt, the Maple Leafs’ PR group launched a observe that Hildeby had been recalled from the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies on an emergency foundation.
Joseph Woll Struggling From Decrease-Physique Tightness
It was additional reported that the Maple Leafs’ anticipated starter in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens, Joseph Woll, was experiencing lower-body tightness and in consequence the group wouldn’t be taking part in him to open their season and he was subsequently scratched.
Woll, who has had some harm points early in his profession, was anticipated to take the reins this season and remains to be the favorite to be the Maple Leafs starter when wholesome. In 34 profession NHL common season video games, Woll has a 21-13-1 report with a 2.76 objectives in opposition to common, a .912 save share and one shutout.
Anthony Stolarz Will get the Begin
As for his or her season opener, newly acquired, Stanley Cup winner Anthony Stolarz will likely be between the pipes for the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night time in opposition to their rival Canadiens. Stolarz had a stable preseason for the group and is coming off top-of-the-line seasons of his profession the culminated in a Cup win with the Florida Panthers.
Over his profession, the journeyman goalie has a report of 43-31-9 in 108 profession common season video games with a 2.69 GAA and .915 SV% — however he topped these numbers final season in Florida with a 16-7-2 report, a 2.03 GAA and .925 SV%.
He will likely be leaned on closely going into the season with Woll’s historical past of harm and the truth that neither one in every of them has performed greater than 30 video games in any given season.
Hildeby Will get the First Name-Up
Whereas it’s not a really perfect scenario, Hildeby will likely be backing up Stolarz within the season opener after being the primary Marlies call-up of the 2024-25 marketing campaign. Like Stolarz, Hildeby had a powerful preseason and has given the Maple Leafs hope of their goaltending depth shifting ahead into their pipeline.