Maple Leafs Top Prospect Ranked as a Steal in the 2022 NHL Draft

When Toronto signed Anthony Stolarz this past offseason, it was meant as a way to help the Maple Leafs find a stable and reliable goaltender that could be a backup for Joseph Woll or end up taking over the starter's role if he were to struggle.

Though it seems that Woll has earned the starter job for now, Stolarz will still play an important part in the team's quest for a Stanley Cup, and he's got this year and next to do it.

Though what happens when/if he leaves? He isn't exactly young, and while Toronto would love to keep him if he plays well, there are injury concerns and time is always fighting against veterans; especially goaltenders.

It's a good thing then they may have gotten one of the absolute steals of the 2022 NHL Draft in Dennis Hildeby, a towering goalie who already has some NHL experience and may be part of the next one-two punch with Woll.

Drafted in the fourth round, Hildeby wasn't necessarily expected to be the type of goaltender to be excited for, but since he's come over it's been a huge surprise.

Though his numbers are down from last season, he still has a very respectable 14-7-2 record with a 2.56 GAA and .907 SV% and has a career AHL record of 35-19-9 with a 2.53 GAA and .909 SV%.

But it's the fact that he's already NHL ready after such a short span is really impressive. Already suiting up in six games for the Maple Leafs, he struggled but still managed a 3-3-0 record with a 3.33 GAA and .872 SV%; but don't let those numbers fool you, he's good, but the NHL is just a different beast.

He's 6'7, moves like lightning and can cover the post in what feels like a very short stride given his length. If he can work on his ability to stay calm under pressure and try not to let the weight of doing too much get to him, he's going to be a star.

Considering the names the Maple Leafs have drafted for goaltenders in the past, Hildeby is welcome refresher.

Players like Zach Bouthillier, Ian Scott, Antoine Bibeau, Garret Sparks, and Grant Rollheiser have either barely played in the NHL or haven't even sniffed it yet; it's the first time since James Reimer that Toronto has such an exciting prospect, with Woll being the first and Hildeby to follow.

Not to mention the team also has players like Artur Akhtyamov, Vyacheslav Peksa, and Timofei Obvintsev in their system; it's a breath of fresh air.

Given how good Joseph Woll has been, there is no doubt he's just going to get better and be Toronto's unquestionable #1 starter.

Though the team has a 'Hildebeast' waiting in tow to back him up, and that could end up being a nightmare for every other team.