Toronto Maple Leafs: 6 Remaining Questions Entering 2023-24
By Edward Eng
6. Will Joseph Woll be able to handle the backup goalie duties?
When veteran Matt Murray went down to injury this past season, Joseph Woll stepped in and performed admirably despite just limited backup duties.
In seven regular season games, he posted a stellar 6-1 record with a 2.16 GAA and .932 save percentage.
He was even called upon in the playoffs when starter Ilya Samsonov went down with an injury as well, as he produced a respectable 2.43 GAA and .915 save percentage in four games of action.
But all that was based on the fact that he was supposedly the third-string goalie in the organization behind Samsonov and Murray, so he wasn’t expected to be the saviour of the franchise.
As long as he gave the Leafs a chance to win, he did his job. However, heading into the 2023-24 season, it is expected that he will take over the backup duties permanently.
As a result, there is more added pressure on his shoulders now as the No. 2 goalie on the team. Can Woll hold his own and maintain the early success he has had so far in his NHL career?
The Toronto Maple Leafs did add Martin Jones as well this offseason just as insurance, but the spotlight is definitely there for the taking for Woll and hopefully he manages to run away with it.
Next. Leafs Far More Successful Recently Than Given Credit For. dark
Overall, if everything goes well, the Leafs will be in for another competitive season as they look to make the playoffs once again, but this time, trying to go all the way instead. However, if any of the above worries become actual problems during the season, we could be in for a very long year ahead.