The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently staring down a massive dilemma in the crease, and it’s a problem that practically guarantees a blockbuster move this offseason. If you look at the depth chart, you’ll see four capable netminders locked into the system for the next two seasons: newly signed Artur Akhtyamov, Dennis Hildeby, Joseph Woll, and veteran Anthony Stolarz. But here’s the harsh reality of the NHL, carrying three, let alone four, NHL-caliber goaltenders is an administrative nightmare and a fast track to losing a valuable asset to the waiver wire for nothing. Something has to give in Toronto.
According to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, the rumors surrounding the Leafs’ crease have been growing louder since before the March NHL trade deadline. Now, with the offseason looming and a remarkably thin free-agent goalie market, General Manager Brad Treliving is holding all the cards. Desperate teams looking for a starting or tandem netminder will be forced into the trade market, making the Maple Leafs a prime trading partner. Let’s break down why an impending trade is inevitable and who is most likely packing their bags.
The Trade Market Heats Up: Analyzing Brad Treliving’s Options
As an NHL analyst evaluating the Toronto Maple Leafs’ current cap structure and roster construction, it’s clear that Treliving doesn’t need to rush this process. Because the open market is devoid of elite, game-changing goaltenders, Toronto has the ultimate leverage. If a rival team strikes out on July 1st, Treliving’s phone is going to ring off the hook.
But who goes? We can safely assume the recently signed Artur Akhtyamov isn’t going anywhere, you don’t sign a promising prospect to an entry-level deal just to immediately flip him unless it’s part of a massive, franchise-altering package. That leaves a three-headed monster of Dennis Hildeby, Joseph Woll, and Anthony Stolarz.
Why Joseph Woll Might Be the Easiest Asset to Move
If we are looking strictly at asset management and contract flexibility, Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby are the path of least resistance. Both carry highly affordable contracts that would entice cap-strapped contenders. More importantly, neither goalie possesses no-trade protection. In a salary cap era, a young, high-upside goalie like Joseph Woll on a cheap deal is an incredibly attractive trade piece that could fetch a premium return to bolster Toronto’s blue line.
On the flip side, moving Anthony Stolarz is significantly more complicated. Stolarz signed a four-year contract extension that kicks in on July 1. Woven into that new deal is a 16-team no-trade list, mirroring the 16-team NTC he holds on his current contract. This means Stolarz controls half the league. If Treliving wants to trade him, he has to navigate a minefield of blocked destinations, severely limiting his market and potential return. Therefore, expect the trade winds to blow heaviest around Woll as the summer progresses.
Your Ultimate Hub for Toronto Maple Leafs News & Updates
Looking for the latest Toronto Maple Leafs news? You’ve come to the right place. Make sure to join our highly anticipated NHL Playoff Hockey Pool for a chance to win massive cash prizes! Plus, if you’re wondering how to watch the Leafs game on TV today, check our daily broadcast schedules right here on our website. Don’t miss a single shift, add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below to stay ahead of the curve.
The post Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Logjam: Will Joseph Woll or Anthony Stolarz Be Traded? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
