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It has long been my opinion that Joseph Woll has the ability to be an NHL #1 goaltender, the only ability he has been short of in his professional career is availability. The 26-year-old being given a three-year contract extension by the Leafs is a reflection that internally they believe the same thing, but GM Brad Treliving has added some insurance in the short-term and inherited some potential long-term solutions if Woll’s injury issues continue.
Anthony Stolarz has assumed the starter’s duties on a temporary basis while Woll recovers from a groin injury and has performed well, but he has been aided by a Leafs squad playing conscientious defensively under new head Craig Berube. Veteran Matt Murray clearing waivers allows the two-time Cup winner to practice, perhaps occasionally play with the AHL Marlies, and be this year’s ‘break glass in case’ goalie as Martin Jones was Martin Jones was last season.
The performance of Dennis Hildeby in New Jersey in his NHL debut after an excellent rookie season is an encouraging sign for the 23-year-old after last season when Sheldon Keefe seemed afraid to give him one minute of NHL action. What is not surprising to some is the early impressive start of 2020 fourth-rounder Artur Akhtyamov, who is 2-0 after a 4-2 win Toronto Marlies victory in Rochester. Akhtyamov has put up sparkling stats between the VHL and KHL the last two seasons, his issue has been getting playing time with Ak-Bars Kazan.
A near-perfect AHL debut for Artur Akhtyamov on Sunday against San Diego. He made 37 saves on 38 shots in a 4-1 win and was named the game's first star.#LeafsForeverpic.twitter.com/Dfm4wyHDpz
The Leafs plan is likely to split the Marlies' workload between Hildeby and Akhtyamov, with Murray sprinkled in occasionally. Youngster Slava Peksa will play in ECHL Cincinnati if Woll and Stolarz hold down the fort with the Leafs. The goaltending picture is unpredictable, but if Toronto plays its cards right, it could potentially have stability in net for the foreseeable future.
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The Leafs are expected to play the same lines and pairings they used on Friday at Ford Performance Centre, with veteran Max Pacioretty sitting and Conor Timmins playing in place of Timothy Liljegren.
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