'I'm Going To Do Whatever I Can To Be Ready': Can the Maple Leafs Rely on Dennis Hildeby if the Need Arises Beyond its Current Goaltending Plan?
Hildeby broke the Marlies record for most wins by a rookie goaltender last season, and he's now looking to take the next step.
If the Maple Leafs need Dennis Hildeby at some point next season, he'll be prepared for the opportunity.
After 41 games last season, it felt as though the 23-year-old took a massive step in the organization. His 21 wins — a new Marlies record for a rookie goaltender — plus the .913 save percentage, allowed the Swede to earn AHL All-Star honors and a big step up the ladder in the Maple Leafs depth chart.
Entering his second season in North America, Hildeby will be battling with the likes of Matt Murray for the first call-up of the season, whenever it occurs. Murray has the experience in his favor, with two Stanley Cups on his side, but Hildeby has youthness, which could go a long way.
The 23-year-old also had a strong performance in Ottawa on Tuesday — where he allowed just one goal on 11 shots and made a highlight-reel stop — to show for.
"Nice to get that one, especially coming in like that. It helps a lot to get the first save out of the way. Wasn't technically perfect, but I managed to get the puck, so that's the important thing."
Like every player in training camp, Hildeby is still trying to get back up to speed with the pace of play and everything else that comes along with a new season. For him, it's a new year with new expectations and potential NHL games.
Though that will only occur if one, or both of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz go down with injuries. Even then, I'm not sure you're calling up Hildeby if he's going to play the backup role with the Maple Leafs.
Could it be worth it to have Murray sit in the backup role and allow the younger goaltender to get more AHL games? The valuable experience would be getting Hildeby into an NHL game if he's needed.
And if that occurs, Hildeby feels prepared for the task.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to be ready and have a plan ready, if that happens," Hildeby said. "Of course, that's going to be the main goal. I will [make sure] I'll do the best I can."
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