3 Reasons Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Use Joseph Woll as their Starter

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.