Maple Leafs Goaltender Makes Unexpected Appearance at Optional Skate Before Game Against Kings

The beginning of the season has been a rough one for Joseph Woll and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Playing one and a half preseason games, Woll got injured before the start of the season and has been on the shelf ever since. It's been up to backup Anthony Stolarz and rookie Dennis Hildeby to patrol the crease until Woll returns and so far, the results have been successful.

So it was a surprise and a big boost to the confidence of both Woll and the Maple Leafs regarding his injury, as Woll was seen on the ice this morning at practice ahead of Wednesday's game against LA and was seen taking shots in full contact, seemingly closer to his inevitable return:

It's currently unknown if the Maple Leafs intend to start Woll for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings, and they should not risk the health of Woll just for the sake of getting him some reps; he's got good enough replacements to hold the team over. Anthony Stolarz has been better than advertised and Dennis Hildeby can hold his own for sure.

It's just a relief for the Maple Leafs to see their prospective goaltender of the future back on the ice, though with his injury history who knows how long it could last. It's something Toronto can't really take a risk on, especially after handing the young goaltender a long extension this summer.

We don't know who is starting against LA tonight, and we will inform you as soon as we learn of this information.