Dennis Hildeby could see his first taste of NHL hockey as faltering Ilya Samsonov heads to the waiver wire.
It's officially 2024, and one of the biggest goaltending shakeups of the season is underway in Toronto.
The Maple Leafs have placed struggling starter Ilya Samsonov on waivers for reassignment to the AHL's Marlies, recalling 22-year-old Swedish sensation Dennis Hildeby.
Samsonov, 26, has assembled a meagre 3.94 GAA and .862 SP in 15 games in his second season in Toronto. The 22nd overall draft pick of the Capitals in 2015 was stellar in 42 games in his first season with the Buds, putting up a 27-10 record with a 2.33 GAA, .919 SP and four shutouts.
Affectionally known as the Hildebeast by Toronto faithful, the six-foot-seven Dennis Hildeby makes his debut ascension to the National Hockey League following a stellar campaign with the Marlies.
The 2022 fourth-rounder has a 2.20 GAA and .919 SP with two shutouts through 15 games in the American League. He previously split time between the Marlies and the SweHL last season.
The Leafs have back-to-back matchups on their California road trip against the Kings and Ducks, with Hildeby potentially pencilled in for his debut NHL start in one of the two contests.