Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll is set to rejoin the team after a leave of absence to address a personal family matter. The announcement was made by the Maple Leafs on Friday, October 24, 2025, stating that Woll will resume team activities and on-ice participation as part of a return-to-play process.
Woll had been away from the team since September 23, 2025, when he took a leave of absence right before the start of training camp. The club has been patient with him, allowing him the time needed to address the personal matter.
There is currently no definite timeline for when Woll will be ready for game action. As he works his way back into form, Anthony Stolarz will remain the team's starting goaltender.
The 27-year-old Woll is coming off a season where he played a career-high 42 games, recording a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. He also started six playoff games for the Maple Leafs after Stolarz suffered a head injury in Game 1 of the second-round series against the Florida Panthers. In his seven playoff appearances, Woll had a 3-4 record with a 3.56 GAA and a .886 save percentage.
Originally drafted by the Maple Leafs in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Woll has played 78 career NHL games with a 48-27-2 record, a 2.74 GAA, and a .910 save percentage.
In Woll's absence, Stolarz has taken on the role of the primary starter, posting a 2-3-1 record with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage in six games. Cayden Primeau was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes and has made one start for Toronto, allowing four goals on 30 shots in a win against the Nashville Predators.
The Maple Leafs placed Woll on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on Thursday, October 23, 2025. This move provided the team with additional roster flexibility. Woll is eligible to be activated from LTIR after missing 10 games, meaning he could potentially return to the active roster after the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 29.
It is possible that Woll may participate in a few games with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) as part of a rehab assignment. The team may also opt to carry three goalies temporarily upon Woll's return. However, it is unlikely that the Maple Leafs will maintain a three-goalie system for an extended period.
Woll's return is a positive development for the Maple Leafs, who are looking to solidify their goaltending situation. Last season, Stolarz had a strong performance, going 21-8-3 with a league-leading .926 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average in 33 starts. The Maple Leafs hope that Woll and Stolarz can form a strong tandem once Woll is fully ready to return to game action.
