3 High-Profile Goaltenders Toronto Maple Leafs Should Trade For

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe delivered concerning news this week regarding the status of goaltender Joseph Woll, stating that he is "not anywhere close to game action."

This revelation has raised worries among the Maple Leafs faithful, especially considering Woll's stellar performance prior to his injury and the team's need for a reliable netminder in the run-up to the NHL Trade Deadline.

Before the unfortunate setback, Woll was showcasing elite-level play and was a serious contender for the Calder Trophy. His contribution became even more significant amid Ilya Samsonov's shaky start, positioning Woll as a potential savior to lead the team into the playoffs. However, fate took a turn, and a freakish injury has sidelined him for the past two months.

With the trade deadline looming just over a month away, the Leafs face a time crunch to evaluate their goaltending options. Keefe's statement that Woll is "not anywhere close to playing" raises questions about the timeline for his return. Is it a matter of two weeks, or could it potentially stretch to another two months?

The uncertainty surrounding Woll's return also begs the question of whether he will be the same goaltender who dazzled fans before his injury. Meanwhile, Samsonov has shown improvement, and Martin Jones has performed admirably as the third-string goalie. However, the looming question remains: Are these options sufficient to secure a playoff round victory?

Some believe that the team's current state is subpar, and going "all-in" at the trade deadline might be a misguided move. Despite this, the prevailing sentiment is that the Leafs will likely be buyers rather than sellers. The fear is that team president Brendan Shanahan might invest valuable draft picks and assets in an attempt to bolster a roster that some see as mediocre.

If the Leafs are indeed poised to make a significant move, the consensus is that acquiring a top-tier goaltender should be the priority. Here are three high-profile options that the Leafs could potentially target in the upcoming trade talks.

No. 1: Jacob Markstrom

Markstrom has a no-move clause, making his acquisition a little harder, but the Calgary Flames are gearing up for a rebuild and so he may be available.

Despite this, why wouldn't he want to join a team poised to contend for the Stanley Cup with his exceptional skills? If the Flames aren't trying to win, I'm sure his NTC would be waived in order to go to a team that is.

With an AAV of just $6 million, Markstrom's contract is a steal, and with two years left, it becomes even more team-friendly, though there is some risk with his age.

Despite facing criticism following a down year in 2022-23, Markstrom has turned his 2023-24 season around, establishing himself as a valuable asset.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have long struggled to find a reliable number-one goalie for the playoffs. Even when Freddie Andersen and Jack Campbell were the team’s top netminders, the fan base didn't fully trust them. However, Markstrom is a goalie you can depend on in crucial moments, someone you'd want by your side in the heat of battle.

While the Toronto Maple Leafs still need to address defensive issues, acquiring Markstrom could help shore up some defensive needs. As one of the best goalies in the league with an affordable contract, Markstrom stands out as the top candidate if the Leafs aim to propel themselves back into Stanley Cup contention.

No. 2: Marc-Andre Fleury

I don’t know why, but Fleury has always felt like a goaltender who would shine in Toronto. Perhaps it’s due to his attitude and carefree mentality. Alternatively, the fact that he’s been part of five Stanley Cup Finals makes him a great option even at 39 years old.

As mentioned, his age is clearly an issue, so you’d be taking a flyer on him.

But maybe he’s got one more special season or playoff run in him? I mean, would you rather have your chances with Martin Jones, Ilya Samsonov, or Fleury?

I still think I’d rather have Fleury in a do-or-die game and hope that the adrenaline of playing in, most likely, his final season will drive him to success. Jonathan Quick’s career looked to be finished, but his move to the New York Rangers has revitalized his career, so perhaps the same thing can happen with Fleury?

The Minnesota Wild have been a playoff contender the past two seasons, but they’re not as strong as the Leafs, who can at least outscore their issues. As a result, Fleury could feel more relaxed knowing he has Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares on his team, who can score at will.

Taking a chance on Fleury is definitely a risk, but at $3.5M on an expiring contract, I'd rather have him than Samsonov. Minnesota is set with Filip Gustavsson for the future. In exchange for a draft pick or a prospect, I'm sure they'd be willing to move him.