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Sheldon Keefe Reveals His Expectations for Rising Star Rookie, Dennis Hildeby

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Dawson Mckenzie
January 2, 2024  (10:12)
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With the goalie drama for the Toronto Maple Leafs under full swing, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has made it clear what he expects from rising star goalie Dennis Hildeby.

The Leafs have been struggling at the goalie position this season, there's no question about it. With Joseph Woll going out with an injury just as he was beginning to take hold in the Leafs' net, and Ilya Samsonov struggling to make a stop, the Leafs have now called up Dennis Hildeby to back up Martin Jones for the time being.

After the move was made to send Samsonov to the minors and call up Hildeby, Sheldon Keefe opened up about what his expectations are for the young netminder.

"Take each day as it comes and try to get him up to speed at the NHL level ... get him comfortable. He's the second guy right now. Your job is to be ready."

Many Worried That Hildeby Is Not NHL Ready Yet

The situation to call up Hildeby isn't an ideal one for the Leafs, however, it is necessary. Clearly, playing Samsonov isn't doing anything for the team besides adding to their goals against. Even though Hildeby may not be fully ready for his NHL debut, the Leafs aren't really in a position to wait.

"It's a different animal."

The towering Dennis Hildeby might not be NHL-ready, but considering the state of the Maple Leafs' crease, he's NHL-necessary

It's clear, though, that Sheldon Keefe's plan is to play Martin Jones. We will have to see if Hildeby will get any time in net as they try to keep the Leafs afloat in hopes of a quick return from Woll.

As seen on Maple Leafs Daily

Keefe sets his expectations for rookie Dennis Hildeby -

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