Leafs Need Joseph Woll To Shake Off Injury Label – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs will begin the 2024-25 campaign without the team's No. 1 goalie after Joseph Woll was ruled out of the regular season opener due to a strain. It's been a worrying trend for Woll, as various injuries have plagued him during his professional career.

He signed a three-year, $10.98 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs over the summer. It's a potentially significant deal, but he hasn't started with encouragement due to ongoing health concerns.

Woll Has Managed To Overcome Early Concerns Before

During his time with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), Woll suffered a shoulder injury in March 2022 that sidelined him for eight months. He struggled with his recovery and suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of training camp before the 2022-23 season (from 'After Joseph Woll's injury, what's next for the Maple Leafs in goal?,' AthleticDecember 7, 2023).

However, he moved back in 2023-24. He appeared to be on his way to earning the top goalie spot on the Maple Leafs depth chart before an ankle sprain kept him out of the lineup for 31 games from Dec. 9-Feb. 19. Woll rejoined the roster in late February following a brief conditioning assignment in the AHL, winning four of his ten NHL games on the road. He produced mixed results during that time, leading to Ilya Samsonov becoming the goaltender of his choice entering the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Again, Woll rebounded, starting Game 5 and 6 against the Boston Bruins while leading the Leafs to victory both times. Unfortunately, tragedy struck before Game 7 when he was taken out with a strained back. Samsonov did very well following his early series struggles, but not having a hot Woll between the pipes for a take-everyone game was a huge disappointment.

Related: Joseph Woll Ready to Seize Maple Leafs Starting Job

You'd have to forgive Maple Leafs fans for feeling a bit of panic on Wednesday (Oct. 9) after learning that Woll will not be available to play against the Canadiens due to another injury issue. Even though the stakes aren't as high as Game 7 of the finals, it still comes with a chilling sense of déjà vu.

The Leaves Tried To Guard With Woll

Woll did not see action during the preseason, logging just 91:38 of ice time in two appearances. He played half of the club's home opener against the Ottawa Senators on Sept. 22, and did not return to action until the season finale against the Detroit Red Wings on Oct. 5. That was probably done by design to limit his career. .

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving talked about making Woll's plan in the offseason to avoid and address the netminder's injury problems. “As for scoring goals, I trust them [Woll]. Now, like everyone else, there are questions. The big question is [Woll] She is seriously injured. We have to dig into that. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it's unfortunate. Is there a training issue we need to address? Do we need to change anything in his off-ice routine? All those things are what we have to hold on to.”

Now that there have been injuries again, how the team reacts will be important. The Maple Leafs may be taking an overly cautious approach by holding him back early in the season. However, Woll's placement on injured reserve (IR) is not an encouraging sign. It was initially reported that the 26-year-old forward was ruled out of Thursday's (Oct. 10) game against the New Jersey Devils, but his IR placement will sideline him for at least the first three games.

Depth of Mission Will Be Tested

Fortunately, the organization has many replacement options. They're probably not as battle-tested as some would like, but the offseason signing of Anthony Stolarz should produce positive results quickly. He was impressive in the preseason and was excellent in 2023-24 as a backup with the Florida Panthers. He will get the nod against the Canadiens, while Dennis Hildeby is sent back to the AHL on an emergency basis to serve as a backup.

The Leafs also have veteran Matt Murray back in the fold and could play after missing most of last season due to hip surgery. He will have to continue working his way back with the Marlies for now. Hildeby may have been called up as a reward for his good play during the exhibition season, and was able to make his NHL debut.

Leaves Need Wool To Stay Healthy

Still, the importance of getting and keeping Woll healthy should be a priority. He has been spectacularly bright in the past but has not shaken off injury problems despite showing resilience. His trips to the sick room come at inopportune times and must be dealt with to ensure he is able to fulfill his potential.

It will be a difficult and taxing situation if everyone is holding their breath every time they are slow to get up after saving or when they get contact with blue paint. Injury is inevitable, but risks can be reduced, and treatment can be provided. It's up to Woll, his teammates, and members of the Leafs staff to do everything they can to change his reputation and keep him on the roster.