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Toronto Maple Leafs New Top Goalie Prospect (It’s Not Kallgren)

By Mike Jack

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 02: Keith Petruzzelli #35 of the USA follows the play against Sweden during a World Jr. Summer Showcase game at USA Hockey Arena on August 2, 2017 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Sweden 3-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Keith Petruzzelli
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 02: Keith Petruzzelli #35 of the USA follows the play against Sweden during a World Jr. Summer Showcase game at USA Hockey Arena on August 2, 2017 in Plymouth, Michigan. The USA defeated Sweden 3-2. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Keith Petruzzelli /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have gotten some stellar NHL performances this season from goalie prospects, Erik Källgren and Joseph Woll, but there is a new goaltending prospect making his way up the ranks with some very impressive stats.

With Erik Källgren playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the injury to Joseph Woll, the Toronto Marlies recently called up Keith Petruzzelli from the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers.

Petruzzelli currently leads the ECHL in goals against average (2.10) and has the second best save percentage (.924) and second most shutouts (4) in the league.  He has a 15-6-1 record.

Keith Petruzzelli was called up to the AHL back in November playing one game and earning a 4-3 overtime win against the Cleveland Monsters with a .909 save percentage, but he’s looking even better in his recent call up.

In Petruzzelli’s first game back with the Marlies on March 20th, he posted a .941 save percentage in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Wolves.  He followed that up with a .970 save percentage in a 6-1 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on March 23rd.

In three AHL games, Keith Petruzzelli is 3-0-0 with a .940 save percentage and a 1.96 goals against average which is the second best save percentage and the third best goals against average among active AHL goaltenders.

The Toronto Marlies are going to have a tough time sending Petruzzelli back to Newfoundland when Woll returns from injury and if Källgren returns from the Maple Leafs.  There is no limit to AHL roster sizes, so all three could stay.  If anyone gets send down, it may be Michael Hutchinson.

Keith Petruzzelli and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Keith Petruzzelli was signed as a free agent by the Toronto Marlies to a two-year AHL contract in August, 2021.

He was originally selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 3rd round (88th overall) in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft after winning the Dave Peterson Award as USA Hockey Junior Goalie of the Year and being named to the USHL All-Rookie Team.

Last season, Petruzzelli played his fourth season at Quinnipiac University in the NCAA where he won NCAA ECAC Goaltender of the Year, was named to the NCAA ECAC First All-Star Team and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

Next. Leafs Prospect Dazzles at Olympics. dark

Petruzzelli is only 23 years old, so he has time to develop into an NHL goaltender, but he could get his chance to prove himself in the NHL as soon as next season.  He is signed to an AHL deal, but the Toronto Maple Leafs (or any other NHL team) could sign him to an NHL contract at any time.

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