When the NHL salary cap was introduced for the 2005-2006 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost one of their biggest advantages over the rest of the league; the ability to outspend their rivals.
During the past two decades, especially since the Brendan Shanahan presidency, the Toronto Maple Leafs have flaunted their wealth in other ways.
The most impressive of which is their off-ice personnel. Their management roster surpasses the competition, however, it's hard to quantify if the Maple Leafs excess of administrative positions has provided a distinct upper hand on the competition.
Of certainty, one understated area will be prominent in the team's success over the upcoming seasons.
This Toronto Maple Leafs Resource Is Essential to Next Season's Success
Defense and goaltending are the biggest areas of need as the Leafs begin off-season preparations for next year. With options already limited, and another trade avenue closed, one thing is becoming more clear.
Joseph Woll will likely be the number-one netminder for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season.
The biggest benefit of this scenario is Woll oozes potential. He displays a demeanor, calmness in the net, and level-headedness necessary for the position, especially in Toronto.
The biggest stumbling block? His availability or lack thereof.
Numerous times over his young career, with Woll on the verge of capturing the starting role, an injury arises. An important footnote to the Maple Leafs most recent season-ending loss was Woll's injury preceding Game 7 against the Boston Bruins.
The setback occurred at the end of Game 6 after Woll's brilliance in two successive outings had forced the deciding game.
How Do the Leafs Help Woll Prevent Injuries?
Woll's career high in games played is twenty-five (last season). His playoff numbers are outstanding. Yet, last season's flashes of brightness were countered by his unavailability. Alarming too, is the harm caused by an innocuous play such as the high-ankle sprain during a game against the Ottawa Senators.
General Manager Brad Treliving has stated the importance of solving Woll's penchant for injuries.
That's where the Leafs ample medical and performance staff must earn their keep. Head athletic therapist Paul Ayotte, head strength and conditioning coach Luis Rojas, and assistant Artie Hairston must devise a plan to keep Woll in the lineup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs best option in goal is to nurture Woll for the number-one job. Veteran backups on reasonable deals should be signed to support him.
The Leafs would reap the benefits of Woll's low salary for years. The savings on goaltender salaries could be used for other weaknesses on the roster.
Keeping Woll healthy also eliminates the risk of trading for a veteran, aging goaltender. By not trading for a goalie the Maple Leafs maintain important assets such as Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, and Mitch Marner.
Shanahan, Treliving, and the team's medical and performance staff should be hard at work planning ways to make Woll dependable and available.
If successful, the money spent by the Toronto Maple Leafs on their abundance of resources will be well worth it.