The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the news today, and it isn’t the type of news we want to hear. It seems that Leaf goaltender Joseph Woll is going to be away from the club, is the news that is being reported. At this time, we are sending all the best to his camp, and the Leafs organization as a whole. Once more details emerge, we will be sure to pass them along.
Leafs Will Be Without Goaltender
The Toronto @MapleLeafs said today goaltender Joseph Woll is taking a leave of absence from the team to attend to a personal family matter.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2025
The news is that Woll is taking a leave of absence from the club. All the reports are saying is that it is a ‘personal family matter.’ And given the recency of the news, there hasn’t been a mention of a timetable for his return. Whatever it is, let’s keep Woll’s family in our thoughts for the time being.
What’s the Trickle-Down Effect Given Joseph Woll‘s Unfortunate News
The Leafs current goaltending situation is one that Woll is firmly a part of in Toronto. However you want to put it, Woll is either the backup or a 1-b to Anthony Stolarz‘s 1-a. In any case, Woll is in the type of position, that if anytime Stolarz falters, whether playoffs or otherwise, Leaf fans have confidence in him to step up. That is a huge description to carry with you, especially in the Meccah that is, Toronto-area hockey.
Last year, Woll appeared in 42 games, posting a .909 save percentage. Very respectable numbers, when you consider Stolarz played in less games (34). However, Stolarz did lead the entire NHL with his .926 SV%.
In terms of who will step up, luckily the Leafs have that scenario handled. The first man up would appear to be 6’7″, Dennis Hildeby, aka the Hildebeest. The native of Sweden played in six games for the Leafs last year, so isn’t totally without NHL experience. Furthermore, he has competition nipping at his heels. We will call the front-runner in that regard Artur Akhtyamov. The Russian goalkeeper possesses a ton of talent. He provides excellent push and accountability for Hildeby. The added pressure this early in the season, and bit of extra action against NHL shooters, will only do them good.
Again, we want to reiterate, we wish Woll and camp all the best. Also, he can take solace knowing the Leafs will do their absolute best to keep the pipes warm, awaiting his return.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
