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3 Veteran UFA Goalies Toronto Maple Leafs Could Sign

By Stephen Nixon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the New York Rangers makes the first period save on William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Jaroslav Halak #41 of the New York Rangers makes the first period save on William Nylander #88 of the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden on April 13, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 13: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs   (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 13: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs   (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Jaroslav Halak

Halak has had a fantastic career and was one of the best stories of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, as he was originally selected 271st overall.

For the first half of his career, he served as a solid starter, winning the William M. Jennings Award on two occasions, but for the past six years, he’s primarily been a back-up.

After starting his career with the Montreal Canadiens and having success, it wouldn’t be surprising if Halak would want to end his career with another Canadian Original Six team in Toronto.

Of the available veteran goalies, Halak is probably the most desirable option right now to serve as a legitimate back-up because his game hasn’t fallen off a cliff, yet.

He showed that he can still play during his time with the New York Rangers last year, serving as the back-up to Igor Shesterkin, so he’d be a safe play in case Woll doesn’t work out.

If Halak were to play 15 games, Woll plays 20 games and Samsonov plays the remaining 47 games, I think that rotation could be the best of both worlds for all three players.

Samsonov needs to be the starter, but should also be monitored, while Woll deserves some NHL minutes, however not enough to justify a full load as the back-up.

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