Maple Leafs reveal the plan for Martin Jones once Starting Goalie Joseph Woll returns

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Dawson Mckenzie
January 30, 2024 (12:35)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs will face a difficult decision when Joseph Woll returns regarding what to do with Martin Jones, as Jones has shown he can compete for the starting spot.

It seemed like just yesterday the Leafs were facing a shortage of goaltending skill, with Ilya Samsonov being sent down to the minors and Joseph Woll going out with an injury. However, with Woll expected to return after the All-Star break, and Samsonov finding his game again, the Leafs will have a serious decision to make regarding backup Martin Jones.

Jones earned his keep to say the least during the Leafs goalie struggles. He stepped up from playing in the minors to competing for the potential number 1 spot. The worry for the Leafs, though, is that when Woll returns Jones could be claimed off waivers if he is to be sent down.

Maple Leafs in different situation regarding goaltending decisions

Now, Sportsnet insider Luke Fox has reported that the Leafs may consider keeping all three goaltenders on their roster instead of sending one down. This will mean keeping 20 skaters, limiting what Sheldon Keefe can do with the lineup.

This sounds like a good plan until you consider that one of the Leafs' bottom six players will need to be sent down to be roster-compliant. This could include Willliam Lagesson, Bobby McMann, Pontus Holmberg or Nick Robertson.

It's safe to say that fans would be upset to see Robertson sent down. He has played his heart out every shift since being called up and even has 14 points in the 29 games he has appeared in. He does, however, still have a waiver exemption, making him a candidate for demotion.

Luckily, the Leafs have some time during the All-Star break to decide what they want to do with their roster.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily Reporter provides clarity on what will happen to Martin Jones with Joseph Woll's impending return