The Toronto Maple Leafs should roll with Joseph Woll as their starter next season.
Much of the narrative this offseason has been about finding a bona fide number-one netminder. However, with the deals for Jacob Markstrom and Darcy Kuemper completed, the available supply is rather limited, though four great options remain.
Sure, there are other lesser options out there, like Cam Talbot, Chris Driedger, or Casey DeSmith, but none of these options would become a permanent solution to the Leafs’ goaltending needs. Also, the Leafs could explore the trade market. The Jacob Markstrom affair is a prime example.
According to The Hockey News, the Leafs made an offer similar to the one the New Jersey Devils made to land Markstrom. Yet, the Flames chose the Devils over the Leafs. The piece quoted insider Elliotte Friedman, who stated that “because of the politics there,” the Flames preferred to deal with New Jersey instead of Toronto.
Be that as it may, there is an argument for the Leafs to go with Joseph Woll as their starter. The 25-year-old took a step forward last season. He appeared in 25 games, posting a 2.94 GAA and a .907 SV%. While not Earth-shattering numbers, they point toward Woll’s potential as a starter.
With that in mind, here’s a look at three reasons to build a case for Joseph Woll to be the Leafs’ starting goaltender next season.