Maple Leafs could sign new player amid unexpected roster crisis

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving isn't ruling out signing a new goaltender after Joseph Woll's indefinite leave for personal reasons.

"You’re always looking at ways to get better," Treliving said on "Real Kyper & Bourne." “Whether a player was taking a leave or not, we’re constantly asking if there’s another option that can best support us."

Woll, 27, was expected to compete with Anthony Stolarz for the starting goalie position, but Treliving confirmed there is no estimated return date for the Missouri native.

"For right now, Joe’s not available to us. We’re there to support him, and we certainly expect him back," Treliving said. "At this point, we don’t know when that is. So an opportunity now presents itself for somebody else," he added.

Trusting Dennis Hildeby and Anthony Stolarz might be the Maple Leafs' best path forward

Inevitably, attention also turns to Dennis Hildeby, who was projected to be the third goalie this season. In training camp, he has left a good impression, but his NHL experience is limited to only six games. Therefore, the potential search for a new goalkeeper becomes more relevant.

Goalie stability is key for any elite team with postseason dreams, especially for a team with several disappointing seasons. If Woll's leave continues, the Leafs could be forced to make a trade, but this could affect their salary cap, impacting future assets and long-term planning. It is not a simple situation.

Ready or not, the best option might be to trust Hildeby, 24, and Stolarz's, 31, ability to stay healthy. This could also affect the front office's confidence in coach Craig Berube if he doesn't handle the crisis well. Toronto must resolve this soon.