Maple Leafs could sign new player amid unexpected roster crisis

Toronto Maple Leafs normal supervisor Brad Treliving is not ruling out signing a brand new goaltender after Joseph Woll‘s indefinite depart for private causes.

“You’re at all times taking a look at methods to get higher,” Treliving said on “Real Kyper & Bourne.” “Whether or not a participant was taking a depart or not, we’re consistently asking if there’s an alternative choice that may greatest assist us.”

Woll, 27, was anticipated to compete with Anthony Stolarz for the beginning goalie place, however Treliving confirmed there isn’t any estimated return date for the Missouri native.

“For proper now, Joe’s not accessible to us. We’re there to assist him, and we definitely anticipate him again,” Treliving stated. “At this level, we don’t know when that’s. So a chance now presents itself for someone else,” he added.

Trusting Dennis Hildeby and Anthony Stolarz may be the Maple Leafs’ greatest path ahead

Inevitably, consideration additionally turns to Dennis Hildeby, who was projected to be the third goalie this season. In coaching camp, he has left a great impression, however his NHL expertise is restricted to solely six video games. Subsequently, the potential seek for a brand new goalkeeper turns into extra related.

Goalie stability is vital for any elite staff with postseason goals, particularly for a staff with a number of disappointing seasons. If Woll’s depart continues, the Leafs might be compelled to make a commerce, however this might have an effect on their wage cap, impacting future property and long-term planning. It isn’t a easy state of affairs.

Prepared or not, the best choice may be to belief Hildeby, 24, and Stolarz’s, 31, capacity to remain wholesome. This might additionally have an effect on the entrance workplace’s confidence in coach Craig Berube if he does not deal with the disaster nicely. Toronto should resolve this quickly.