Joseph Woll's Uncertainty Could Push Maple Leafs to Claim Goalie on Waivers
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
A goalie recently placed on waivers could be a solution for the Toronto Maple Leafs sudden question in net.
With Toronto currently having Joseph Woll out, and only rookies Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov as options, a new option could present a lifeline for Toronto.
The Utah Mammoth have placed goaltender Connor Ingram on waivers, a move that was expected and now made official by the team.
With all 31 other teams able to put in a claim, the Toronto Maple Leafs could move to grab Ingram as a backup option if the team's goalie situation is a lot more murky than what is currently known.
Connor Ingram's Waiver Move Comes at a Critical Time for Toronto
Connor Ingram being placed on waivers coincides with the Leafs facing some goaltending concerns that could link the two together.
The Leafs are without netminder Joseph Woll, currently not with the team for personal reasons.
It's not known when Woll will be back, that information currently kept private, but has created concern if Woll's absence extends to the start of the season.
Like Woll, Ingram has been away in the past, having been in the NHLPA's Player Assistance Program as he took time away from Utah last season.
Currently, Ingram has indicated he will return to hockey.
For those of you that don't know, earlier this season I lost my mother to breast cancer.
After trying to make a return to playing, l have come to realize that I am not myself.
At this point in my life I need to put my health first, and the take the proper time I need away to come back at 100%.
Though many view the program as a resource for substance abuse, I want to recognize all that they do.
I am once again privileged to have access to their network of world class health professionals to hopefully avoid long term negative effects of putting your health second.
With the program's assistance l look forward to getting the medical help I need and returning to a happy and healthy life.
After trying to make a return to playing, l have come to realize that I am not myself.
At this point in my life I need to put my health first, and the take the proper time I need away to come back at 100%.
Though many view the program as a resource for substance abuse, I want to recognize all that they do.
I am once again privileged to have access to their network of world class health professionals to hopefully avoid long term negative effects of putting your health second.
With the program's assistance l look forward to getting the medical help I need and returning to a happy and healthy life.
Ingram, 28, had a 9-8-4 record last season for Utah, but with a 3.27GAA and .882SV% in 22 games played. Ingram has four NHL seasons under his belt.
Prior to Utah, Ingram had played for Nashville and Arizona, having been a starter for the Coyotes in the 2023-24 season.
Ingram has a $1.9M contract, one that may be costly for Toronto to pick up, but depending on how long Woll is out could be something easier to swallow if Woll's contract is moved to long-term injured reserve.
Why the Maple Leafs Must Weigh the Risk of Standing Pat in Net
At this time, it's unclear when Joseph Woll may be back, and rushing into a deal for a goaltender may be an unnecessary risk for Toronto to make with limited cap space.
Currently in wait is Dennis Hildeby, who this preseason has shown so far that he could take on the reigns as a potential call-up option if needed, although he's still inexperienced to feel secure with him as their #2 if it comes down to it.
Toronto has few limited options in terms of free agents, with two former Leafs in James Reimer and Ilya Samsonov among those unsigned with veteran prestige.
Also available is Carter Hart, who was acquitted in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial but as was reported back in August, is not a player Toronto is looking at.
When Hart was speculated to Toronto earlier this offseason, Leafs sources indicated to HockeyPatrol that they felt comfortable with their NHL tandem of Stolarz and Woll, and their AHL tandem of Hildeby/Akhtyamov. Hart may not be who Toronto goes for, but they could change course.
After Akhtyamov struggled in net for Toronto in their collapse to Ottawa in the preseason, it seems Hildeby has managed to take an advantage as the team's No. 3.
Akhtyamov is still young enough to fight for a spot with the Marlies, but if Woll is back, this could make the Russian expendable, even if the Leafs wish to keep him.
Woll has proven himself as capable of partnering with Anthony Stolarz in net, having appeared in 42 games for Toronto with a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73GAA and a .909SV%.
Whether it's Ingram, Hildeby, or another surprise name, Toronto may have no choice but to make a decisive move in net before opening night.
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