Bad news for Maple Leafs as Woll faces new setback

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll. Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Bad news for Maple Leafs as goalie Joseph Woll faces new setback

Originally posted on Hockey Patrol | By Chris Gerics | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 9:20 AM ET

It was some more unfortunate news coming out of Maple Leafs practice on Tuesday as goaltender Joseph Woll was not skating ahead of the evening's game.

It's been a staggeringly unhealthy year for the Maple Leafs. Though the team has survived so far, it has also had to deal with a rash of injuries that seem to grow by the day.

The latest victim was Mitch Marner, and at such a critical time (and with the 4 Nations Face-Off nearby), his absence is less than ideal. But with that comes yet another big injury, as Woll was not skating ahead of the team's game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday.

It's unknown if Woll is currently dealing with an injury, or if this means that Anthony Stolarz is good to go, but it's unusual to not see Woll at least in the visitor's net if he wasn't going to start (practice protocol for starters/backups).

If he is out for the game against Calgary for whichever reason, it leads the way to the return of Stolarz, who was projected to return any day now.

This season, Woll has been relied heavily upon due to the injury to Stolarz. He has an 18-10-0 record with a 2.66 GAA and .909 SV%, and though he's struggled at times, he has also made some brilliant saves.

Toronto's injury list a concern for future success

The Maple Leafs at one point in time have had what feels like the majority of their roster out with injury. The only players who have been able to stay healthy this season have been William Nylander, Morgan Rielly and Steven Lorentz, who haven't missed a game.

Toronto's roster isn't necessarily all spring chickens, either. It boasts one of the older contingents in the NHL, and injuries are only exacerbated by age. It's startling to see how quickly these players seem to drop, and it bodes no positive vibes heading into the playoffs, a much more dangerous beast.

A lot of its success hinges on the goaltending this season, and with the history that both Woll and Stolarz possess, it doesn't give hope seeing them miss so much time.

Toronto needs to hope Woll isn't dealing with anything serious because its season might depend on it.

This article first appeared on Hockey Patrol and was syndicated with permission.

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