Post by : Maya Rahman

The Toronto Maple Leafs have confirmed that goalie Joseph Woll is set to rejoin the squad following a month-long personal leave to address family issues. His return comes as a significant boost for the team, which has been grappling with various injuries and a challenging start to the season.

Following a disappointing 5-3 defeat to Buffalo, team captain Auston Matthews expressed his enthusiasm about Woll's comeback. “This means a lot to us,” Matthews stated. “He is a crucial part of our roster, so it’s great to have him back.” Woll’s presence is anticipated to uplift both player morale and fan spirits.

Woll, 27, was drafted by Toronto in 2016 and is now entering his fifth season in the NHL. Last year, he recorded personal bests with 27 wins out of 42 matches, making him an invaluable part of the Maple Leafs’ goaltending strategy.

Before his leave, Woll was slated to share responsibilities with co-starter Anthony Stolarz. In his absence, Stolarz took on the bulk of the burden, managing a 2-4-1 record and conceding four or more goals in four of those games. Backup goalie Cayden Primeau, who was recently acquired through waivers, achieved success in his sole start, leading the team to a 7-4 win over Nashville.

While Woll has returned, his readiness to play remains uncertain due to the time he missed. According to league regulations concerning long-term IR, Woll is eligible to resume play as of November 1, giving Toronto some room to navigate the short-term challenges.

The team is currently facing multiple injuries; in the game against Buffalo, they were without top defensemen Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly, and leading scorer William Nylander exited late in the match. Coach Craig Berube has not disclosed Nylander’s status for the rematch against the Sabres.

Coach Berube described Woll’s return as “fantastic” and acknowledged the heavy workload that Stolarz has managed during Woll’s absence. “He has taken on a significant amount of responsibility. He’s played a lot of games, so I imagine he’s a bit exhausted,” Berube commented.

Woll's reintegration into the team is poised to revitalize their energy and self-assurance. With key players sidelined, his return in goal could serve as a pivotal moment for Toronto as they seek to improve their 3-4-1 record and regain momentum this season.

#News #Sports