The Toronto Maple Leafs' crease has become a precarious place, where the battle between talent and resilience is being tested daily. Following a concerning injury to Joseph Woll during Thursday's victory, the team's goaltending depth is under severe strain as they prepare for a critical stretch of their schedule.
Injury Cloud Hangs Over Crucial Homestand
As the Maple Leafs celebrated a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on December 5, 2025, the mood was dampened by the sight of Joseph Woll leaving the game. The goaltender did not return for the third period after appearing to shake his left hip or knee late in the second. Coach Craig Berube offered little clarity on Friday, stating only that he hopes the issue is not serious.
This latest setback compounds an existing problem. Anthony Stolarz, the team's other primary netminder, has not been on skates since suffering an upper-body injury in mid-November. Berube's vague update on Stolarz's status does little to inspire confidence, especially after a similar "quick return" prediction following his Remembrance Day exit proved premature.
The timing could not be worse. Toronto faces two vital divisional matchups at home: against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. The team now heads into these pivotal contests uncertain who will guard their net.
A History of Fragility in the Crease
Woll's career in Toronto has been a frustrating cycle of brilliance interrupted by physical misfortune. His resilience is undeniable, but his durability remains a significant question mark.
His injury history is extensive:
- A high ankle sprain cost him half of the 2023-24 season.
- A lower-body injury landed him on Injured Reserve to open camp last year.
- He recently returned from a month-long personal leave this autumn, posting a stellar .927 save percentage in eight games before Thursday's incident.
Stolarz, meanwhile, was just beginning to convince skeptics that he could handle a number-one workload at age 31. His play had been strong prior to his injury, and his absence was keenly felt during last spring's playoff series against Florida after a controversial hit from Sam Bennett.
The 'Hildebeast' May Be Called to Action
With the top two options in doubt, attention turns to rookie Dennis Hildeby. The towering 6-foot-6 Swedish netminder has now made four relief appearances this season, surpassing his three starts. He stopped all nine shots he faced in relief against Carolina, improving his save percentage to an impressive .919.
Coach Berube appreciates Hildeby's ability to handle the puck and his powerful clears around the boards. While his quiet demeanor contrasts with Stolarz's vocal presence, his teammates have full confidence in him.
"The Beast came in and was unbelievable for us," captain Auston Matthews told reporters in Raleigh. "He comes in with a very quiet confidence and knows what he’s doing. The more he plays and the more he’s around our group, he fits right in."
Hildeby also has a built-in support system, with Swedish compatriots Oliver Ekman-Larsson, William Nylander, and Calle Jarnkrok on the roster.
A Recurring Theme of Goalie Carousels
This is not a new phenomenon for the Maple Leafs. Including brief appearances by Cayden Primeau and Artur Akhtyamov, Toronto has already dressed five different goaltenders this season.
This marks the third consecutive year the team has used at least five netminders. The previous two seasons ('22-23 and '23-24) featured a rotating cast that included Ilya Samsonov, Jack Campbell, Petr Mrazek, Erik Kallgren, Matt Murray, Michael Hutchinson, and even Jett Alexander for one minute of action.
As TSN analysts noted, the central question for the Maple Leafs is no longer about talent, but about "ability versus durability." With the season entering a crucial phase, finding a stable answer in net is the team's most pressing challenge. The high-flying offensive circus may need to operate without its reliable safety net for the foreseeable future.
