Joseph Woll return appears imminent after latest development

The news was relayed by TSN's Chris Johnston on X:

Woll is 4-3-1 with a 2.44 GAA and .923 SV% so far this season.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is fairly optimistic about Joseph Woll's eventual return and believes he could be good to go vs. Chicago if all goes well.

Joseph Woll has been out of the Maple Leafs lineup since suffering an injury against the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 4th, and he's slowly been working his way back to the lineup, and has been able to at least participate in practices even if he hasn't been fully cleared.

There's no timeline for his return however is he eligible to return to the lineup on Tuesday night, and with how overworked Dennis Hildeby has been and to avoid using Artur Akhtyamov; he could end up starting.

At least that's what Craig Berube hopes. The Maple Leafs head coach spoke to reporters after practice on Monday and felt optimistic that Woll's progress has been good enough to make a return.

He just needs to make sure his goalie is on the same wavelength:

There's no guarantee that Woll is going to play, and it all depends on how Tuesday's morning skate goes, but if he does return and is able to help the Maple Leafs snap their two game skid then it could be a huge two points.

Woll, 27, has a 4-3-1 record with a 2.44 GAA and .923 SV% so far this season, and when he's been on the ice he's been great; but he's having trouble staying there. He already missed a month of the season on a personal leave of absence, and now missed more time.

It's an unreliable tandem right now in Toronto with Woll and Anthony Stolarz's injury issues, and with no timetable for Stolarz's return; Woll has to stay healthy.

Whether that means giving Hildeby more starts or finding a backup through waivers or a trade, whatever they do has to prioritize Woll's health long-term if the team wants any success.

This is going to be the third straight year Woll has suffered a serious injury or two. First was the playoffs in 2023-24, then he missed a month last year, and this year has already missed a large chunk of the early season.

While you can't say Woll's season is a wash yet; he can stay healthy and still prove everyone wrong. But if he can't keep his body together, it could be the difference between a playoff spot or an early flight to Cancun.