The Maple Leafs have a massive decision to make
The Toronto Maple Leafs have arguably the league's best forward group, and with talent littered throughout the team, they have high expectations in 2023-24, but to reach those heights, they have one big question to answer.
Who is the starter in net for this team going forward? This was a question that was recently broken down on the latest Leafs Digest Youtube video.
The 25-year old appears ready
In their recent win over Tampa Bay, young Joseph Woll came into the game cold, stopping all 29 shots he faced, and for many, this was the defining moment that cements him as the starter going forward.
In 13 games at the NHL level, Woll now has a .928 save percentage along with a 2.28 GAA, and with Ilya Samsonov not stamping his mark on this team, it may be time for Sheldon Keefe to make the move.
A talented tandem
While Samsonov hasn't been great, he's still young as well, and if the Leafs can keep them both around this season, it will give them plenty of options later in the season, but right now, the choice is clear.
Luckily, Joseph Woll came and saved the day, and ultimately, the Leafs got a huge win against the Lightning and a pretty thrilling game for a Saturday night. But looking at what Joseph Woll has done in his NHL career this year, he's been phenomenal. Following yesterday's game, a 1.69 GAA last season and a .916 save percentage, he's always been a very, very solid goalie.
Ultimately, if the defensive unit in front of the net plays better, either Leafs goaltender should be able to achieve success, but until that happens, it appears Woll is best set up to be the star that can help them overcome these issues.
| POLL | ||
Who should be the Maple Leafs starter going forward? | ||
| Woll | 518 | 87.1 % |
| Samsonov | 77 | 12.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
