Toronto Maple Leafs Secure Rising Star Goaltender Dennis Hildeby — Could This Be the Franchise’s Next Game-Changer?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have just locked in a promising piece of their future goaltending puzzle by signing Dennis Hildeby to a fresh three-year deal. This isn’t just another contract; it’s a strategic move featuring an $841,000 average annual value with a clever two-way structure that shifts to a one-way by the 2027-28 season. Hildeby’s performance last year was nothing short of solid—he posted a respectable 16-9-7 record with a .908 save percentage for the Marlies and made waves during his NHL debut with a 3-3 tally between the pipes. At 24, this goalie has already amassed a commendable AHL career and even earned an All-Star nod, signaling the Leafs’ belief that he’s integral to their upcoming campaign. Expect to see him tend goal for the Marlies most nights, with a potential call-up looming large. This signing sparked my curiosity about the Leafs’ goaltending depth chart and their broader roster strategy—there’s definitely buzz brewing around Hildeby’s development path.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have signed goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a three-year contract.
The deal has an $841,000 AAV and will pay him $350,000 while in the AHL in 2025-26. The contract is a two-way deal for the first two seasons and becomes a one-way in 2027-28.
Hildeby had a record of 16-9-7 with a .908 SP and 2.55 GAA with the Toronto Marlies and a 3-3 record with a .878 SP and 3.33 GAA with the Maple Leafs last season, the first NHL starts of his career.
The 24-year-old has a 37-21-14 record with a .908 SP in 73 career AHL appearances and represented the North Division at the 2023-24 All-Star Game.
A fourth round selection of the Maple Leafs in 2022, Hildeby has now completed two full seasons in North America and appears to be a significant part of Toronto’s plans in the future.
Hildeby will likely start the majority of games for the Marlies and seems to be first in line for a recall to the Maple Leafs.
Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.
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