What Joseph Woll's first AHL game revealed about his return to the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Joseph Woll made his first start after returning from a leave of absence and his performance offered early clues about his readiness to rejoin the Maple Leafs.
Prior to the beginning of the 2025 season, Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll took a personal leave of absence to tend to a personal matter.
He has since returned and had his first taste of in-game action last Sunday as he suited up for the Toronto Marlies to take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms; the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.
How Joseph Woll looked in his first AHL game
It was the first step towards his return to the Maple Leafs, and he was given just over half the game to get himself prepared.
Playing 36:09 of the game in addition to starting, Woll saved 21 of 24 shots; giving up three goals which was all the Phantoms would need to secure the 3-2 victory.
It wasn't a shutout, nor was there a blowout. It was a game that gave Woll a good balance of success and failure which is something he'll be accustomed to at the NHL level; you're going to win and you're going to lose.
But with Anthony Stolarz presumably out after leaving the game vs. Boston on Tuesday night, that leaves only Dennis Hildeby to patrol the crease as Toronto waived Cayden Primeau earlier on.
What Woll's AHL appearance means for the Maple Leafs' goaltending plan
However, Woll is scheduled to start the entire game against the Grand Rapids Griffins and not be taken out which not only is an indication that he can handle a full game, but that he'll be ready for whatever Toronto has ahead of them.
Last season, Woll was solid alongside Stolarz, and posted a 27-14-1 record with a 2.73 GAA and .909 SV% while adding a 3-4-0 record with a 3.56 GAA and .886 SV%.
The Maple Leafs will need him to be at the top of his game as they deal with their current goaltending situation.
Besides Hildeby and Woll, the team would need to rely on rookie Artur Akhtyamov, or perhaps make a call to their ECHL affiliate and have Ken Appleby provide some insurance.
So it's not only important that Woll comes in and performs, but stays healthy because Toronto can't afford another setback in goal, with limited depth options available.
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