Maple Leafs Goaltender Joseph Woll: Potential Return to the Lineup Revealed

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Chris Gerics
October 18, 2024 (2:19 PM)

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In a big turnaround, Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll may be close to returning since suffering an injury in the preseason according to head coach Craig Berube.

Since suffering an injury in the preseason, Joseph Woll has yet to play this season for the Maple Leafs, being put on injured reserve as the season opened up. It's been an uphill battle for Woll, not only due to his injury history but also the fact that he is in grave danger of losing his #1 starter position to Anthony Stolarz. Woll was set to be Toronto's goaltender of the future but as the days pass, fans anticipate when they can see Woll again.

According to head coach Craig Berube, it won't be long. Speaking to media after the Maple Leafs practice on Friday, he spoke about Woll's injury and the potential for his return, another big update that follows Woll's return to practice on Friday:

«Seems like he's really heading in the right direction,» Berube said.

It's a huge bit of news for Woll, who has been stellar in his time with the Maple Leafs in his short tenure, going 21-13-1 with a 2.76 GAA and .912 SV% and being the key factor in Toronto going to Game 7 against the Boston Bruins in last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, he injured himself in the dying seconds and was unable to play Game 7 which led to Toronto losing the series.

Signing a huge contract extension this summer, Woll was expected to lead Toronto's goaltending for years to come, but if he keeps getting injured and being inconsistent, it will cost the Maple Leafs in the long run. He's already in danger of losing his starting job to Anthony Stolarz, and there's no guarantee Woll will regain the form he had previous, not only due to injuries but the lack of momentum and reps. Playing your team in practice is one thing, but facing NHL teams who aren't going to take it easy on you, doesn't bode well for an oft-injured goaltender like Woll

It's a big step forward for Woll on his journey to return from injury, and he hopes that he can find his momentum quickly or he'll find himself watching on the bench as his backup leads the team to glory.