Leafs Officially Call-Up Goaltender After Darren Dreger's Injury Update on Anthony Stolarz
The Toronto Maple Leafs officially called up Dennis Hildeby from the Marlies as they await the extent of Anthony Stolarz's injury.
During Toronto's 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night, Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was injured after the Ducks scored their first goal toward the end of the first period.
It's a truly unfortunate turn of events for the star goaltender, and it's a huge blow to Toronto's momentum as fans, teammates, and management wait with bated breath on the extent of his injury.
But in the meantime, Toronto needs a backup goaltender, so in a corresponding move, they've called up Dennis Hildeby from the Toronto Marlies in anticipation of a Stolarz injury.
The news was originally reported by Darren Dreger on X.
This was later confirmed by several other sources around the league.
Dennis Hildeby: Round Two With The Maple Leafs
Hildeby gets his second go-round with Toronto after being part of the club at the beginning of the season, backing up Stolarz while Joseph Woll was injured.
He shined in his first game, stopping 21 shots and winning his first career NHL game. However, the second game was a nightmare, giving up six goals and being left out to dry.
In his two NHL games he is 1-1-0 with a 4.03 GAA and .869 SV%, and will likely see action during Toronto's busy December if Stolarz is out for any period of time.
Hildeby was demoted shortly after and started to help the Marlies alongside Matt Murray and Artur Ahktyamov. With the Marlies, Hildeby has recorded a 2-2-2 record with a 2.73 GAA and .897 SV%.
Speaking of Murray, the Marlies veteran was injured last week and with Hildeby being called up, the responsiblity now lies on Artur Ahktyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa to hold down the fort until either Murray or Hildeby return.
The Maple Leafs are hopeful that the injury to Stolarz isn't anything more than a cramp or a bit of discomfort, as he's been lights out this season. Sporting a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and .927 SV%, he's been in talks for the Vezina as the league's best goaltender.
All fans, teammates and management can hope for is that when Craig Berube gives his update, it'll be good news all round for the Maple Leafs and their future plans.
