Craig Berube Drops Hint on Joseph Woll's Return to Game Action
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided a critical update regarding when the fans can expect to see Joseph Woll back on the ice for an actual game.
Since taking a personal leave of absence at the beginning of the season, goaltender Joseph Woll has returned to practice and has been skating with the team as he gets ready to get back into the swing of things.
Although he is expected to have a little bit of time to gather his footing in the minors, things are looking really positive to when we will see Woll make his 2025 season debut, one that both fans and fellow goalie Anthony Stolarz are very much looking forward to.
Berube's Brief Comment Has Leafs Fans Reading Between the Lines
But how close is he? According to head coach Craig Berube, seemingly right around the corner.
Speaking to reporters after practice on Wednesday ahead of the team's game agains Utah, Berube was short and sweet with his words; ones that show that Woll is nearing his return:
It's close. I can just say this; he's in a real good spot. It's great to have him with us in practice and stuff, and he's in a good spot and is doing well.
That's a huge sign for the Maple Leafs considering that not only will he provide some much better goaltending than Cayden Primeau, it will give Stolarz a much needed break as he is protected to start his 11th game out of 14.
If Woll can come in and provide even some of what he offered last year, that's only going to improve Toronto's chances game in and game out.
Last season, Woll went 27-14-1 with a 2.73 GAA and .909 SV% and alongside Stolarz was the team's most successful goaltender tandem, winning 20+ games each and helping backstop Toronto to an Atlantic Division title.
With Toronto looking at six games in 11 days, including a trip out to TD Garden in Boston smack dab in the middle of a homestand, Woll's return is going to be a much needed one, especially if the team is looking to rely solely on Stolarz to carry them through.
Craig Berube's words however give everyone a huge relief, that not only is Joseph Woll seemingly healthy and nearly ready to go, but when he does, it could kickstart the Maple Leafs' season all over again.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 5|1260 ANSWERS Craig Berube Drops Hint on Joseph Woll's Return to Game Action Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs need Joseph Woll back sooner than later? | ||
| Yes | 1128 | 89.5 % |
| No | 132 | 10.5 % |
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