Maple Leafs Make Major Last-Minute Line-Up Change vs the New Jersey Devils

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Tyler Ball
October 10, 2024 (5:07 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to make a last minute lineup change and go with Dennis Hildeby as the team's starting goaltender tonight.

After going with Anthony Stolarz against the Montreal Canadiens last night the Maple Leafs are making a switch tonight. According to David Alter the Maple Leafs will turn to Dennis Hildeby as the team's starting goalie for tonight.

This comes as a surprise after Anthony Stolarz played well last night against the Montreal Canadiens. Despite playing well Anthony Stolarz was outshined by Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault. Many fans were pleased with his effort even with the loss and hoped to see him again tonight. Instead, the Maple Leafs will go with rookie Dennis Hildeby.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will also be scratching Ryan Reaves this evening. The scratch for Reaves comes after he struggled to impact the game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Dennis Hildeby earns his first NHL start after Joseph Woll was placed on injured reserve yesterday. The Maple Leafs are looking to get back on track after being embarrassed by the Montreal Canadiens in their season opener.

Maple Leafs cannot afford another injury to their goaltenders

As of now, it is not known why the switch was made from Anthony Stolarz to Dennis Hildeby. Hopefully, Anthony Stolarz is not injured as the Maple Leafs are already thin at the position after placing Woll on injured reserve.

Likely this move is Craig Berube preventing that from becoming a reality. The Maple Leafs struggled last night so a goaltending change to shift momentum already could make sense. Add in that the Maple Leafs are looking to prevent further injuries to the goaltenders who remain and the decision makes a lot more sense.

Dennis Hildeby comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL lineup after being drafted in 2022 by the Maple Leafs. Last season he spent the entire year with the Toronto Marlies and played 41 games with a 2.41 goals-against average and a 0.913 save percentage according to his Elite Prospects page.

The Maple Leafs will have the opportunity to get back on track tonight against the New Jersey Devils. The Devils of course will be led by former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe.