NHL Season Secrets: Uncover the Surprising Strengths, Hidden Weaknesses, and Game-Changing X Factors for Every Team
Biggest concern: Toronto had one of the league’s strongest goaltending duos last season in Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. The Leafs were hoping to tap into that tandem again — with two healthy, available options — until Woll took a leave of absence from the team last month for personal reasons. There’s no timeline on Woll’s return, leaving Toronto in a lurch for who to rely on behind Stolarz.
Dennis Hildeby stepped in to make the first six appearances of his NHL career last season — generating an .878 SV% — and that wasn’t enough experience for the Leafs to lean on. So they signed veteran James Reimer to a professional tryout, and can only hope Reimer is up to the job of being the club’s No. 2 until Woll can return. The whole situation puts extra responsibility on Stolarz, though. His 34 starts in 2024-25 were a career high, and he’s certain to see more action in the coming campaign. How will he shoulder that responsibility? And if Stolarz gets hurt, can Reimer and Hildeby answer the bell?
Post Comment