Toronto, ON – The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled goaltender Dennis Hildeby from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), following the loss of Cayden Primeau on waivers to the Carolina Hurricanes. The announcement was made Saturday, November 8, 2025, prior to the Leafs' home game against the Boston Bruins.

Primeau, 26, appeared in three games for the Maple Leafs this season, recording a 2-1-0 record. However, his performance included a 4.30 goals-against average and a .838 save percentage. Toronto initially claimed Primeau off waivers in early October while Joseph Woll was on personal leave. He served as Anthony Stolarz's backup for most of the past month. With Woll nearing his return and currently on a conditioning stint with the Marlies, the Leafs placed Primeau on waivers earlier in the week.

Carolina, which had traded for and signed Primeau this past summer, reclaimed him and can now assign him directly to AHL Chicago, as originally intended.

The move allows for Hildeby's recall, providing Toronto with a temporary backup until Woll is ready to rejoin the active roster. Stolarz expressed enthusiasm about Woll's return, emphasizing the competitive edge Woll brings to the team.

Dennis Hildeby, 24, is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender. Born on August 19, 2001, Hildeby was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round, 122nd overall, in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He subsequently signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs on July 13, 2022. His contract carries a cap hit of $841,667 per season and expires at the end of the 2027-28 season, making him a restricted free agent.

Prior to his North American professional career, Hildeby played in Sweden for Åker/Strängnäs, Hudiksvalls HC, Timrå IK, and Färjestad BK. He also played on loan for Linden Hockey in the Hockeyettan during the 2020-21 season. In the 2021–22 season, Hildeby played seven regular-season games with Färjestad in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and won the SHL title with the team.

Hildeby has spent time with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate. During the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, he was recalled on an emergency basis by the Maple Leafs after an injury to Ilya Samsonov.

Hildeby has a 2-2-1 record with a 2.74 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage through five minor-league appearances this season. He could make his season debut when Toronto hosts Carolina on Sunday.

In other Maple Leafs news, defenseman Chris Tanev is recovering well after being stretchered off the ice in Philadelphia a week ago. According to teammate Brandon Carlo, Tanev is in good spirits and is a vital part of the team.

As Woll continues his conditioning stint with the Marlies, Hildeby is expected to serve as Stolarz's backup. Woll is scheduled to make his season debut with the Marlies on Saturday night against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He had an impressive record last season with the Maple Leafs, posting a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 GAA and a .909 save percentage across 42 regular-season games. He should return within two weeks and will share the crease with Anthony Stolarz upon his return.