Maple Leafs Closing In On Key Call-Up To Fill Urgent Roster Gap
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a bit of a goaltending situation, and there's a possibility they could look to one of their veteran to help out in the meantime.
In an unfortunate turn of events for the team, goaltender Anthony Stolarz suffered a lower-body injury in a game against Anaheim. News came out that he will need a procedure to get rid of some debris in his knee and is out the next 4-6 weeks.
While bad for the Maple Leafs, they do have Joseph Woll they can turn to, and the presumed starter has a chance to really make an impact. However behind him is a rookie goaltender who has looked a bit shaky through his first three games, and it doesn't bode well if Woll ends up struggling.
According to GM Brad Treliving, the team could call upon veteran Matt Murray to help out while Stolarz recovers:
Dennis had a tremendous year last year and played well during his time up here. It's why we got Matt, too, right?
Now, Murray was dealing with a little bit of an injury, but touch wood, we anticipate that he is going to get in the net tomorrow in Wilkes-Barre. We'll go from there.»
NHL Insider Chris Johnston also believes that Murray will eventually get his chance with the Maple Leafs this season given he can stay healthy:
Toronto Signed Matt Murray Specifically For This Reason
With Murray, Toronto has a reliable and consistent backup with winning credentials and someone who has shown flashes of brilliance when Toronto needs it the most.
Re-signing with the team this summer, Murray was a dependable backup for Toronto in 2023 and earned himself an extension.
Last year he went 14-8-2 with a 3.01 GAA and .904 SV% for the Maple Leafs amidst some injury struggles, and gave the team every chance to win, even if he was being dominated on occasion.
Once a top starter in the NHL and a two-time Stanley Cup winner, Murray isn't in his prime anymore, but offers a unique blend of veteran leadership as well as relative youth as he's still only 30.
For his career he has a 146-86-24 record with a 2.79 GAA and .910 SV% with time spent between Pittsburgh, Ottawa, and Toronto.
If Dennis Hildeby falters during Anthony Stolarz's absence, look to Brad Treliving to call Murray up in an instant in order to stop any potential bleeding and not leave Joseph Woll out to dry.
