Major Roster Controversy Heading Into The Season

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Tyler Ball
August 15, 2023 (11:30 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs will have various positions up for grabs heading into the 2023-24 season. One of the biggest question marks is what is the Leafs' plan in the net? As of now, they have three solid options under contract and only two spots.

Jones vs. Woll

With Ilya Samsonov firmly in place as the team's starter, the battle for the backup spot has commenced.

Many thought that Joseph Woll was the natural successor to become the full-time backup. He played well in his 7 appearances with the NHL club posting a 2.16 goals against average and a 0.932 save percentage. In the AHL he was equally successful with a goals-against average in the 2.30s and a 0.927 save percentage.

Martin Jones signed with the Leafs this offseason inking a one-year deal worth $875,000. Last season as part of the goaltending tandem in Seattle Jones put up a 2.99 goals-against average and a 0.887 save percentage. While these numbers are not as good as Woll's he is the far more experienced goaltender. This could lead to a goaltending competition between the two.

Leafs Are In A Good Spot Heading Into 2023-24

Heading into the season Joseph Woll likely has the inside track to become the backup. He is the better goaltender statistically and is younger. The small sample size and inexperience may give Jones a chance but he would have to have a great preseason. Jones will likely be an insurance policy in case Woll struggles to adjust to a full time NHL role as the back up.

Worth noting that Joseph Woll's cap hit is just $766k, making him an easier fit in terms of salary cap allocation. He also requires waivers to be sent down and so does Jones so it looks like the third option will be easy to choose. Nevertheless hopefully the Leafs can sneak him through because goaltender depth will be important during the regular season and Toronto hasn't been very lucky with health in that position from previous years.