Maple Leafs Goaltending Dilemma: Signing Two Veteran Netminders

In the latest episode of the Chris Johnston Show, host Chris Johnston and co-host Julian McKenzie delved into the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation after another disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Boston Bruins.

When discussing the team’s goaltending, Johnston brought up Joseph Woll’s injury history and the organization’s plans to examine his training and physical condition to find ways to reduce future injuries. McKenzie then posed the question, “Do you think the Leafs will still be confident enough in him to be their number one next year? Do you see them saying, ‘Hey, let’s get a veteran in the offseason to kind of work in tandem with him?'”

Johnston quickly responded, “I think they are probably getting two veterans; that would be my calculation. I mean, [Ilya] Samsonov, Martin Jones, and Matt Murray are all pending UFAs. Now it’s possible that one of those players is back; it’s too soon to say one way or the other that way, but I would think they’re signing at least two veteran goaltenders with some NHL track record. One of them will be slotted unofficially in the number three spot.”

This revelation has caught the attention of Leafs Nation, as the team lacks a true number one goaltender comparable to the New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin or the Bruins’ Linus Ullmark. With a weak free-agent market for goaltenders this offseason, it will be interesting to see which veteran netminders the Leafs target to form a trio with Woll.

As the Maple Leafs look to break their first-round curse and make a deep playoff run, solidifying their goaltending will be a crucial factor in their success. Fans eagerly await the team’s offseason moves and the potential impact of the new veteran additions on the team’s overall performance.

The Leafs’ Goaltending Woes

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been plagued by inconsistent goaltending for years, and this season was no exception. Despite having a talented roster, the team’s inability to find a reliable starting goaltender has been a significant factor in their early playoff exits.

Last season, the Leafs acquired Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray in the hopes of stabilizing their crease. However, both goalies struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, leading to a revolving door in the net. Samsonov, in particular, showed flashes of brilliance but was unable to maintain a high level of play throughout the season.

Joseph Woll, a promising young goaltender, emerged as a bright spot for the Leafs. The 24-year-old netminder made his NHL debut in the 2021-22 season and impressed with his athleticism and composure in the crease. However, Woll’s injury history is a concern, as he missed significant time due to a lower-body injury this season.

The Free Agent Market

With Samsonov, Murray, and Martin Jones all set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, the Leafs will need to be active in the goaltending market. Unfortunately, this year’s free agent class is not particularly strong, with few proven starters available.

Some of the notable names include Darcy Kuemper, Ville Husso, and Cam Talbot. Kuemper, who led the Colorado Avalanche to a Stanley Cup victory last season, could be an attractive option for the Leafs. However, he is likely to command a high salary and may not be interested in a tandem role.

Ville Husso, who had a breakout season with the St. Louis Blues, could be a more affordable option. The 27-year-old Finnish goaltender posted a 25-7-6 record with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. He could be a good fit for the Leafs, as he has the potential to be a starting goaltender while also being open to a tandem role.

Cam Talbot, a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, could be a solid option for the Leafs as a mentor for Woll. The 35-year-old goaltender has a career record of 221-161-44 with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. He could provide stability and leadership in the Leafs’ crease while also allowing Woll to develop at his own pace.

The Leafs’ Options

Given the limited options in free agency, the Leafs may need to get creative in their search for goaltending help. One option could be to explore the trade market, where teams like the Arizona Coyotes and the Chicago Blackhawks could be looking to move veteran goalies for future assets.

The Coyotes’ Karel Vejmelka and the Blackhawks’ Petr Mrazek could be potential targets for the Leafs. Both goalies have shown the ability to be starting netminders in the NHL, and they could be acquired at a lower cost than some of the top free agents.

Another option for the Leafs could be to sign a veteran goaltender to a short-term contract and then look to acquire a long-term solution via trade or free agency next season. This could allow the team to stabilize their crease while also giving them more flexibility to make a bigger move in the future.

The Importance of Goaltending

In the modern NHL, having a reliable starting goaltender is essential for success. Teams like the Rangers and Bruins have shown that having an elite goaltender can make a significant difference in the playoffs, where games are often decided by a single goal.

The Leafs have struggled to find a true number one goaltender for years, and it has cost them dearly in the postseason. With a talented roster that includes stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Leafs have the potential to make a deep playoff run. However, they will need to address their goaltending issues if they want to take the next step.

Conclusion

The Toronto Maple Leafs face a significant challenge this offseason as they look to address their goaltending needs. With a weak free agent market and a lack of proven starters available, the team will need to be creative in their approach.

Whether they choose to sign a veteran goaltender to a short-term contract, explore the trade market, or look to develop Joseph Woll as their starter, the Leafs will need to make the right moves to give themselves the best chance of success next season. With the pressure mounting on the team to finally break through in the playoffs, the decisions they make in goal could be the difference between another early exit and a deep postseason run.

As Leafs Nation waits with bated breath for the team’s offseason moves, one thing is clear: the search for a reliable starting goaltender will be at the top of the team’s priority list. With the right additions and a bit of luck, the Leafs could finally put their goaltending woes behind them and make a serious push for the Stanley Cup.