Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltending situation has taken an unexpected turn as Joseph Woll has been granted a leave of absence. General Manager Brad Treliving addressed the media on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, confirming Woll's absence and stating it is due to a personal family matter. The team has not provided any details regarding the situation and has asked that Woll's privacy be respected.
Treliving specified that Woll's absence is not related to substance abuse. While the team expects Woll to return, there is currently no timeline for his return to the team. This uncertainty raises concerns about his availability for the start of the regular season.
Woll, who is 27 years old, was poised to build on a strong 2024-25 season. In 42 games, he recorded a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. Drafted 62nd overall in 2016, Woll has a career .910 save percentage and a 2.74 GAA in 78 appearances.
Woll's absence places greater emphasis on Anthony Stolarz, who is expected to take on a larger role. Stolarz has demonstrated his ability as a starter, however, his availability has been a concern in the past. Last year, Stolarz started the Stanley Cup Playoffs but suffered an injury in Game 1 of the second round against the Florida Panthers. Stolarz missed 24 games last season due to knee surgery.
If Woll is unavailable at the start of the season, Dennis Hildeby is likely to be Stolarz's backup. Hildeby made his NHL debut last season, playing six games with a 3-3-0 record, a .872 save percentage, and a 3.33 GAA.
Woll's absence comes after he signed a three-year, $11 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs earlier this summer. In the past, Woll has been sidelined with injuries, including missing the first month of the 2024-25 season. Woll's injury history includes an ankle injury in December 2023, a shoulder injury in September 2022, and undisclosed injuries in May 2024 and December 2021.
The Maple Leafs are set to begin their regular season on October 8th at home against the Montreal Canadiens.
