The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a challenging season, grappling with injuries and performance inconsistencies as they strive to secure a playoff spot. Recent news and rumors surrounding the team highlight the goaltending situation with Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, and Dennis Hildeby, as well as potential trade interest in forward Matias Maccelli.
Goaltending Carousel: Woll's Return, Stolarz's Setback, and Hildeby's Rise
The Maple Leafs received a boost with the return of Joseph Woll, who is set to start against the Chicago Blackhawks after recovering from a lower-body injury sustained on December 4th. Woll's return ends a four-game absence. Prior to his injury, Woll had a 4-3-1 record with a 2.44 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage, the best among Leafs goalies this season.
However, the news isn't as positive for Anthony Stolarz. Coach Craig Berube revealed that Stolarz is not progressing as expected from his upper-body injury, which has kept him out of the lineup since November 11th. Stolarz will consult with a specialist as his recovery has stalled. There is no timeline for his return, and Berube declined to speculate on whether the injury could be season-ending, but acknowledged that Stolarz "is not going to be on the ice anytime soon". Before his injury, Stolarz played in 13 games, posting a 6-5-1 record with a .884 save percentage.
With Woll and Stolarz sidelined, Dennis Hildeby has stepped up, displaying impressive performance in net. In 11 games, the 24-year-old has a .923 save percentage. Hildeby's performance has been a bright spot for the Leafs, providing stability during the team's goaltending struggles. Woll praised Hildeby, acknowledging his hard work and talent.
Matias Maccelli: Trade Rumors Swirl
Forward Matias Maccelli's name has surfaced in trade rumors as he struggles to find his role with the Maple Leafs. Acquired by Toronto in June, Maccelli has not played since November 28th and has been a healthy scratch for seven consecutive games. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Maple Leafs are gauging the trade market for Maccelli, and several teams that were interested in him last summer may circle back.
Maccelli's inability to find chemistry with Toronto's star forwards and gain Coach Berube's trust has led to his diminished role. Despite his potential, the fit in Toronto hasn't materialized. Several teams could be potential destinations for Maccelli, including the Nashville Predators and Seattle Kraken. A divisional rival like the Boston Bruins might also show interest. The Leafs are in a position where they can't risk trading Maccelli for a bare package only for him to turn around his performance.
As the Maple Leafs navigate their season, the goaltending situation and potential trades will be key storylines to watch. Woll's return provides stability in net, but Stolarz's uncertain recovery and Maccelli's trade rumors add complexity to the team's plans.
