The Toronto Maple Leafs' goaltending situation has taken another concerning hit. Starter Joseph Woll was forced to leave Thursday night's contest against the Carolina Hurricanes after suffering a lower-body injury.
Injury Strikes During Crucial Road Game
The incident occurred during the second period of the game in Raleigh, North Carolina. Woll did not return to the ice following the second intermission, despite the Leafs holding a commanding 4-1 lead at the time. The team officially announced that the netminder would not return for the remainder of the match.
Backup Dennis Hildeby took over the crease to start the third period, tasked with preserving the lead. The abrupt exit of Woll, a key piece of the Maple Leafs' lineup, immediately raised alarms among fans and analysts watching the game unfold on December 4, 2025.
Compounding an Existing Problem in Net
This latest setback exacerbates an already challenging scenario for the team's goaltending corps. The Leafs are already without goalie Anthony Stolarz, who is currently sidelined while tending to an upper-body injury.
The back-to-back injuries leave Toronto's depth in a precarious position as they navigate a demanding NHL schedule. The team has not provided a timeline for Woll's recovery or the severity of the lower-body issue, leaving his status for upcoming games in question.
What's Next for the Battered Leafs?
With the immediate focus on securing a win in Carolina, the larger concern shifts to the team's medical room. The organization now faces critical decisions regarding its goaltending lineup in the short term.
Dennis Hildeby's performance in relief will be closely monitored, and the team may need to look to its American Hockey League affiliate for additional support if Woll's injury requires a significant absence. This developing story adds another layer of adversity for a franchise with high postseason aspirations.