The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending depth got a lot deeper after the Toronto Marlies signed Keith Petruzzelli to a two-year AHL contract a few days ago.
If you’re unfamiliar with Keith Petruzzelli, don’t be alarmed. The former 88th overall selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft was originally picked by the Detroit Red Wings, but after his rights expired, the Toronto Maple Leafs swooped in and signed him.
The 22-year-old took the collegiate route, playing four years with Quinnipiac University and was the starter for his junior and senior years. In his final campaign, Petruzzelli was named NCAA (ECAC) Goaltender of the Year, was selected to the NCAA (ECAC) First All-Star Team and was a Hobey Baker Award Finalist, which is the award for best player in the country (via: marlies.ca).
Although those accolades are amazing, his size is something that should excite many fans. At 6-foot-5, 185 pounds, Petruzzelli is your typical modern-day goaltender who uses his wingspan and flexibility to his advantage.
After an incredible collegiate career, Leafs fans should be very excited to see what he can do in the future.
Petruzzelli Adds Serious Depth to Toronto’s Organization
Petruzzelli signed a two-way AHL deal with the Toronto Marlies, so that means that he’ll more than likely split time with the Marlies and their ECHL affiliate, Newfoundland Growlers.
If you look at the Marlies current depth chart, it’s very crowded. The team already has four goalies signed, that aren’t their every everyday NHL goalies:
- Joseph Woll
- Ian Scott
- Michael Hutchinson
- Erik Källgren
Källgren is also signed on with Frölunda of the Swedish Hockey League, so he could play overseas again next year, while the other three will all be competing for a spot with the Marlies.
When it comes to the Marlies organization, the team obviously wants to win, but developing prospects is the most important piece. Although Hutchinson is the best goalie within the bunch, it doesn’t necessarily mean he should play every night.
Instead, the team should give a good look to Scott, Woll and now Petruzzelli.
After getting injured in 2019, Scott has only played in six professional games since, so the Petruzzelli signing is probably reinsurance in case Scott needs more time to develop.
My projection is that the Marlies will start with Woll and Hutchinson, while Scott and Petruzzelli will start with the Growlers. From there, the team will continue to call up or send down goalies throughout the season, so that everyone can get equal playing time and the appropriate competitive level.
With Jack Campbell signed for one more season and Petr Mrazek secured for three, it’s nice that the Toronto Maple Leafs are investing in young goalies who can potentially take over their positions in a few seasons.
You can never have too much goaltending depth, so signing Petruzzelli was a great decision for the Leafs, as it’ll be interesting to see how he does at the professional level this year.