Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 Year-In-Review: Comprehensive Goalie Analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs have stacked their goalie pipeline well, and are starting to see the results.
The leading man of their youth in net, Joseph Woll, has finally looked like a real potential starter for the Maple Leafs, taking the success from his playoff performance last season into a proper full season of work in the crease for Toronto.
Woll only got 25 games for Toronto this season, a partial result of nagging injuries throughout the year, but showcased promising results with a 12-11-1 record and a strong 2.94GAA and .907SV%.
With the struggles of starter Ilya Samsonov, who disappointed some with a 3.13GAA and a .890SV% in 40 games, it seems Woll has certified himself as Toronto's leader, but depends on free agency if he's their #1.
Martin Jones, who had a decent 11-8-1 record and a .907SV%, likely isn't the answer at net in Toronto, but was reliable enough when needed.
After Woll was unable to play Toronto's last playoff game against Boston, which ended their year, it did feel like a chance was going to be happening, even though the game winner wasn't Samsonov's fault.
But what about the Leafs prospects? Although Toronto seems likely to dip their toes in the free agent market, there's still some available prospect options.
Dennis Hildeby has seemingly gone from a unicorn project to a legitimate option for Toronto. The 6'7 goalie had a natural size advantage that got him drafted by the Leafs, 122nd in 2022, but not many could've predicted how advanced he'd be by now.
Not only has Hildeby been able to prove himself as able to handle pro hockey, he's been a clear #1 option. Hildeby has gained almost full control of the Toronto Marlies net. Easily the Marlies best goaltender with a 21-11-7 record and a 2.41GAA and .913SV%.
What made Hildeby so much better in his game is improvements to his skating speed and mobility. For a player that big, Hildeby has the ability to move about in position and move around to stop the puck.
Hildeby could be a potential starter for the Leafs, at the very least a captivating #2. He could be a call-up candidate by next season, and potentially a full-time NHLer by 2025-26 if he continues on his development path.
Akhtyamov is a player the Leafs have been seemingly high on, and is expected to come to North America to compete with Hildeby next season.
Akhtyamov had a truly sensational season in Russia, named Goalie of the Year in the VHL, the Russian second tier, with a 10-5-4 record, along with a 2.00GAA and .927SV%. Akhtyamov also appeared in 17 KHL games, again dominating with a 2.51GAA and .921SV% and a 6-7-0 record.
Most Likely Hildeby starts with Akhtyamov as the potential backup, although Akhtyamov will likely make it tough on Hildeby. Another promising option with good goalie habits, he's a pro-ready netminder who like Hildeby could be a potential answer for the Leafs in a few years.
Peksa made his North American debut in the ECHL with the Newfoundland Growlers. Clear growing pains for the 21-year-old who had a difficult showing going 5-19-1 with a 3.66GAA and .890SV%. Woeful, but still optimism from Peksa's strong VHL season in 2022-23.
Fundamentally strong but has struggled in the transition and seems a bit away. Will likely be in the ECHL again, although the Growlers are now defunct, he may be loaned if Toronto doesn't get a new team for the season.
A friend and former teammate in Kazan of Akhtyamov, will be interesting to see the chemistry there.
Other Goalies
Keith Petruzzelli - Has looked like a good depth option for the Marlies. Maybe gets another two-way contract to take him to UFA.
Luke Cavallin (AHL rights) - Surprisingly good year for Cavallin, who made good in the Growlers net. Wouldn't hate seeing him get an NHL contract but likely will be in the ECHL again, with the potential to get some AHL chances.
Dryden McKay (AHL rights) - The 2022 Hobey Baker winner has looked well in the ECHL, but in a crowded system, he may end up looking elsewhere for a contract for more minutes.
| POLL | ||
Who is the Toronto Maple Leafs future starting goaltender? | ||
| Joseph Woll | 451 | 66.3 % |
| Dennis Hildeby | 64 | 9.4 % |
| Artur Akhtyamov | 29 | 4.3 % |
| Other | 136 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
