Another year, another Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending dilemma. What are the latest rumors and speculation on how they plan to solve their struggles in net?
The Toronto Maple Leafs enter 2024 facing a dilemma in goal.
With Joseph Woll sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury and Ilya Samsonov demoted to the AHL Marlies, they're left with aging third-stringer Martin Jones and call-up Dennis Hildeby for their upcoming California road trip.
Samsonov's struggles between the pipes prompted some observers to suggest the Leafs consider making a trade for short-term help.
Before Samsonov's demotion, Sportsnet's Luke Fox listed Montreal's Jake Allen, Buffalo's Eric Comrie, Ottawa's Anton Forsberg and Calgary's Dan Vladar as middling trade options. He also noted that Jaroslav Halak remains available in the free-agent market.
The Toronto Star's Kevin McGran also mentioned Allen and Comrie as trade options as well as former Leaf James Reimer, who now toils with the Detroit Red Wings.
Fox also mentioned Nashville's Juuse Saros would be the “dream scenario.” However, the Predators remain in the playoff chase, and he'd likely prove too expensive to acquire.
The Athletic's Jonas Siegel listed Calgary's Jacob Markstrom, Columbus' Elvis Merzlikins and Anaheim's John Gibson as “big-bet starters” but noted their expensive contracts make them difficult to obtain. Markstrom also has a full no-movement clause, while Merzlikins and Gibson have partial no-trade lists.
On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Leafs aren't believed to have much interest in going the trade route. He observed that they don't have much trade capital in draft picks and prospects and prefer to hang on until Woll returns to action in a few weeks.
Calling up Hildeby is another indication that the Leafs will continue looking to within for now to address their goalie issues. It's also a sign that they don't see anything via trade or free agency that can resolve their problem.
