Maple Leafs recall goaltender Dennis Hildeby from AHL’s Toronto Marlies on emergency basis

The news comes in the aftermath of an injury suffered by goaltender Anthony Stolarz in warmups ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators. Stolarz was originally projected to start against the Senators but took a puck to the throat off the stick of forward William Nylander, leading to him leading the ice and seeking medical attention at a hospital. Joseph Woll started his second game in as many nights in Stolarz’s place and stopped 38 of 43 shots in the 5-2 loss to the Senators. It was reported after the game that Stolarz was released from hospital and met his team at the plane when they left.

“He’ll be meeting us at the plane, I think he’s doing ok,” Berube told reporters after Saturday’s game. “He got evaluated there [at the hospital] so I don’t exactly know what’s going on yet, but he’s supposedly meeting us at the plane.”

It’s unknown how much time Stolarz will miss, if any, but the emergency callup of Hildeby indicates that Stolarz will be out of commission at minimum for Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins. The Maple Leafs only have 11 games left and are all but eliminated from playoff contention, so there won’t be any need for Stolarz to play through any discomfort. For what it’s worth, though, Stolarz was seen on the ice for Monday’s practice wearing a neck guard.

Hildeby has statistically been the Leafs’ best goaltender this season but hasn’t played since Stolarz returned from his nerve issue in late January. He has a record of 5-6-4 with a GAA (goals-against average) of 2.84 and a save percentage (SV%) of .912 in 19 NHL games this season. In 17 AHL games, he has a record of 7-5-5 with a GAA of 2.54 and a SV% of .901.