The Maple Leafs waste a prime opportunity with Dennis Hildeby as the coaching staff sticks to a failing script
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Dennis Hildeby is being sent back down to the Toronto Marlies, and the decision to do so may rub some the wrong way as it feels like a waste of time and potential.
On Wednesday, the Maple Leafs made the move to send Hildeby down only a couple days after recalling him on an emergency basis.
There's no real reason as to why Hildeby would be sent down especially knowing that Anthony Stolarz (regardless of how he was good Tuesday) is so injury prone.
The goalie debt that's forcing Dennis Hildeby back to the Toronto Marlies
The team needs to focus on next year and what Hildeby can offer considering they are going to have to improve elsewhere and a goalie is a perfect trade asset.
Hildeby has been solid this season despite a losing record. Going 5-6-4 he has a 2.90 GAA and .910 SV% and looks to be part of the future alongside Joseph Woll and Artur Akhtyamov over the next decade.
But while it's a bit ridiculous that the team has decided to run with the veteran tandem of Woll and Stolarz, it makes a lot of sense given how much the team has invested in both of them.
Stolarz is just starting a brand new extension, and Woll is locked down for the next two years after. While Woll is younger, he is still 27 and will be nearly 30 when his contract is up.
That logjam has prevented Toronto from taking a serious look at Hildeby and his constant promotions/demotions have stopped him from playing regularly unless it's due to injuries.
Going the veteran route over player growth in a hopeless season is straight up poor decision making
That's not how you treat one of your top overall prospects and someone who is not only a physically imposing body, but someone who can and has proven to be successful at the NHL level. Craig Berube is too stubborn to see the future, but considering he's not going to be a part of it; he couldn't care less.
But if you aren't going to use Hildeby then what's the end game? Trade him and fall into a potential Tuukka Rask situation? Now granted, it's not exactly the same but it's still a prospect goalie Toronto didn't give the time to.
This is a tandem that has given up the most goals in the league, and hasn't been at all helpful in steering the Maple Leafs out of the basement. They're playing for pride at this point yes, but pride doesn't grow potential - it stagnates it.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 25|1436 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs waste a prime opportunity with Dennis Hildeby as the coaching staff sticks to a failing script Should the Toronto Maple Leafs be giving Dennis Hildeby more playing time? | ||
| Yes | 1307 | 91 % |
| No | 129 | 9 % |
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