3 Reasons Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Use Joseph Woll as their Starter
The Toronto Maple Leafs' search for a reliable starting goaltender should be focused inward, not out. A key in-house option in Joseph Woll could be the answer the club has been looking for.
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.
Three Reasons Why Joseph Woll Should Be the Maple Leafs’ Starter Next Season
#1: Woll Inspires Confidence
Despite his age, Woll inspires confidence in his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates. Several teammates have spoken about how much Woll inspires confidence in them. Sportsnet captured the following comments from Matthew Knies:
I feel pretty safe when he’s in net. He sees the ice well, and I trust him a lot.
In the same story, John Tavares echoed Knies' sentiments, expressing admiration for his calm demeaner.
#2: Woll Has Responded in the Playoffs
With the Leafs down 3-1 in their first-round series against Boston this postseason, former coach Sheldon Keefe turned to Woll for Game 5. Woll responded, keeping Toronto in the game, as the Leafs pulled out a 2-1 OT victory.
Then, Woll followed that performance up with another 2-1 win in Game 6. With the series even at three games apiece, Woll suffered an injury, forcing the Leafs to turn to Ilya Samsonov in Game 7.
While Samsonov did not play poorly, the Leafs lost a heartbreaking 2-1 game in OT.
The year before, Woll came in and played a huge role in the postseason. He made four appearances, posting a 2.43 GAA and a solid .915 SV%. Despite going 1-2, Woll proved he could be trusted in big-game situations.
That being said, Woll tends to get hurt consistently. That is why there may be some hesitance about riding Woll. That is why a competent backup can solidify the Leafs goaltending situation.
#3: The Leafs Have a History of Giving Up on Goalies Too Soon
This last point can be summed up easily: Tuukka Rask.
In short, the Leafs have a history of giving up on young goalies too soon. Giving up on Woll now could lead to another blunder like the one that the club made by trading an unproven Rask for an established netminder in Andrew Raycroft.
Things didn’t go well in that situation.
Trading for a goaltender like Markstrom would have given the Toronto Maple Leafs the number-one netminder they wanted. However, it would have pushed Woll’s development even further.
As such, giving Woll every chance to prove himself this season, at least in training camp, can go a long way toward helping the Leafs find consistency and stability in goal.
The Leafs now have Woll locked up for the upcoming four seasons and appear comfortable with him in net. Perhaps they feel like they can help him be injured less, I don't know. What we do know is that they wouldn't have bet on him like this if they thought he was as fragile as the media makes him out to be.
The Leafs might still trade for a top-end goalie. But if they don't Woll is ready to be the starter.
I think that is the best play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.