Evaluating the Toronto Maple Leafs Cup chances for the 2024-2025 season

Will a coaching change and defensive additions be enough to achieve postseason success?

Sep 22, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN;  Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube speaks with his players in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube speaks with his players in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending has more potential

The Maple Leafs goaltending duo of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz is relatively inexperienced. Neither has played more than thirty regular season games during their careers. Veteran Matt Murray is third-string insurance and top prospect Dennis Hildeby will get another year of seasoning with the Toronto Marlies.

Despite the lack of playing time, Woll and Stolarz offer more upside than any recent Toronto goaltenders. The Leafs history is littered with goalies who single-handedly won them playoff series. Felix Potvin, Curtis Joseph, and Ed Belfour all led the Maple Leafs on long playoff runs.

Woll has demonstrated over the past two postseasons that he is capable of being the next Toronto goalie to achieve postseason success. Staying healthy has been the issue, as injuries have delayed his progress.

Stolarz provides competition for Woll and desires more playing time for himself. The Leafs have protected themselves well in goal by bringing back Murray and allowing Hildeby to continue his development.

The ceiling of Woll and Stolarz gives the Leafs a tandem that can close the gap in goal with their Atlantic Division counterparts. Toronto now has the personnel in goal to challenge the Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Boston Bruins for division supremacy.

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