John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Announce Goalie Move on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 12:32 PM ET

Just one day after making a move impacting their goalie rotation, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to undo it on Sunday morning.

Following their 4-3 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres, the Leafs announced Dennis Hildeby is heading back to the AHL.

The move, however, was expected after Anthony Stolarz received the night off amid a heavy early-season workload, with the 24-year-old dressing as backup to Cayden Primeau on Saturday during the Leafs’ victory in the second game of a back-to-back matchup against Buffalo.

For starters, Toronto utilized a rarely used CBA exception to make the emergency recall on Saturday afternoon, which permits a 24th player to be added for no more than 48 hours. According to Pro Hockey Rumors, that exception is limited to two uses per season.

Maple Leafs G Dennis Hildeby has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 26, 2025

Hildeby did not play in Saturday’s game and returns to the Marlies, where he has split time with Vyacheslav Peksa this season.

Hildeby has appeared in two AHL games so far this season, allowing just two goals on 53 shots. He played six NHL games last year, posting a 3-3-0 record with a .872 save percentage and a 3.33 goals-against average.

Toronto signed Hildeby to a three-year, $2.53 million extension in September.

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll (60) warms up.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The reassignment comes shortly after the news that Joseph Woll has officially entered the return-to-play process following a month-long personal leave.

The Leafs retroactively placed him on long-term injured reserve, making Nov. 1 the earliest date he could rejoin the lineup, pending medical clearance.

Woll has not played this season but was the Maple Leafs’ most effective goaltender in 2024–25. In 41 starts last year, he posted a 27-14-1 record with a .909 save percentage and 16.8 goals saved above expected—ranking 11th in the NHL.

Toronto returns to action on Tuesday when it hosts the Calgary Flames, with puck drop set for 6 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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