Goaltender Joseph Woll's Planned Start Vs. the Blue Jackets Faces Setback per Elliotte Friedman

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Chris Gerics
October 22, 2024 (6:41 PM)

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In a surprising move, rookie Dennis Hildeby gets the call for the Maple Leafs tonight over Joseph Woll's presumed debut, delaying his season debut once again.

Joseph Woll's inevitable return is right around the corner, as the goaltender was seen practicing with the club, and finally getting himself to 100% before he makes his debut. Hopes were positive this week that Woll would be able to get over that injury hump and make his debut and give the Maple Leafs an even deadlier one-two punch in the net. His return to the team will be a huge boost in the locker room morale as they'll have one of the key pieces back who is expected to help them in a long playoff run.

So it was surprising that after being expected to start in his season debut Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he's been scratched and rookie Dennis Hildeby gets the start per Elliotte Friedman on X:

Hildeby's roster spot needs to be cleared before Woll can come back, and with how quickly the timing was for him to be demoted they just may not have had enough time. It could have been Toronto also missed the deadline and will have to let Woll sit for another game due to their oversight. It's not the end of the world for Woll if he doesn't start, although the longer he goes without playing the more rust will have to be shaken off. Giving him another day of rest will do Woll good and if he's only at 95%, this missed debut will help him get that last little bit of recovery time.

Woll's been sensational for the Maple Leafs in the short time he's been here, especially come playoff time. Being the key factor in Toronto lasting for seven games against the Boston Bruins, Woll has held it down so far with a 21-13-1 with a 2.76 GAA and .912 SV% for Toronto and was pegged to be the #1 starter for the team after signing a three-year extension in the summer.

Injured before the start of the season, Woll was placed on the IR and slowly made his way back to the ice over the last week or so. It would have been nice to see Woll come into the game and find himself again however it's worth giving Dennis Hildeby a look again before he eventually gets sent down. Hildeby looked solid in his first career win, only giving up two goals and felt like a veteran on the ice and controlled the game to his pace.

Toronto wants to take their time with Joseph Woll, as rushing your prospective #1 starter into action is detrimental to the player and the team. They already have a more than capable starter in Anthony Stolarz, and a towering rookie behind him, and with that combination, Woll can rest easy knowing his absence will be appreciated, even if it's not exactly necessary.