Joseph Woll Activated from Injury Reserve: What It Means for the Team and What Fans Can Expect Next

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Julien Trekker
October 24, 2024 (10:54)

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In breaking news, the Toronto Maple Leafs activated the young goaltender Joseph Woll from the injured reserve.

After being limited to 25 games last season with the Leafs due to a high ankle sprain, Woll was injured in the playoffs against the Boston Bruins and found himself on the IR once again during the preseason and since the start of the season with a lower-body injury. While he was away, Anthony Stolarz got most of the workload, and the Leafs called up Dennis Hildeby from the Marlies as a corresponding move.

Now, it looks like Woll is set to return to action soon, as the Toronto Maple Leafs activated him from the IR and sent down Hildeby back in the AHL and the team released an official statement on X:

Hildeby is returning to the Marlies after playing two games with the Leafs. He has a .869 SV% and a 4.03 GAA and struggled in his second game after getting his first career victory during Toronto's second game.

What It Means to the Toronto Maple Leafs

While it wasn't confirmed by the team, Darren Dreger believes Woll could return on the ice tonight as The Maple Leafs will face the St. Louis Blues, marking the first time Craig Berube faces his former team.

If Woll gets tonight's start, Stolarz will be able to get some rest after playing in five of the seven Leafs games this season. Even though he did a great job while Woll was away, the rest of the team will be happy to see their young, outstanding goalie back in action. He could help them bounce back from their tough 6-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets, a game many believed Woll could've played.

What Maple Leafs Fans Can Expect Next

Woll, 26, faced many injuries in his career but always managed to stay at an elite level thus far in his young career. He made his first appearance with the Maple Leafs during the 2021-22 season and has been limited to a mere 36 regular-season games since.

If he can remain healthy this year, fans can expect to see the Leafs having yet another great regular season, however, no one can predict that this team can bring the same energy in the playoffs, the main challenge faced by this franchise in the past years although things certainly look different this year.