Goaltending is the Leafs Greatest X-Factor
The Leafs rolled the dice with their goaltending. Their top two netminders on the depth chart lack experience. The talented, but injury-prone, Joseph Woll signed an extension with the team and will be given every opportunity to win the starter's job.
Stolarz was signed away from the Panthers to provide insurance behind Woll. The injury-riddled Matt Murray was resigned to a 1-year, minimum deal to fill the third-string role.
Woll's brilliance has been flashed at various moments in his limited NHL career (36 games). Stolarz has been around a while but only played in 108 career games with a single-season high of 28.
Ilya Samsonov and Martin Jones have departed. Samsonov was unreliable and had a penchant for giving up soft goals. His confidence also suffered at times.
The Maple Leafs chose to avoid acquiring a veteran on the trade market. Instead, they brought back their best goalie from last season (Woll), and Stolarz. After surgery, Murray can slowly build himself back up and provide starts if needed.
Health will also be a big issue with the Leafs goaltenders. Woll appears capable of reaching the heights of previous Toronto goalie greats, but only if he can stay on the ice.
Like the defenders, the current group of Toronto netminders can achieve more than the prior trio of Samsonov, Woll, and Jones.
Also, Dennis Hildeby of the Toronto Marlies has a full season of minor league experience. His continued acclimatization to the AHL can continue, but he will be more prepared if needed for an occasional start.
The Maple Leafs current goalies have a blend of talent, experience, and depth. Health permitting, they have the potential to be much better than last season.