Woll returned to the Maple Leafs practice following a one-game conditioning stint and his return to the lineup appears to be imminent.
Woll returned to the Maple Leafs practice following a one-game conditioning stint and his return to the lineup appears to be imminent.
Joseph Woll says his ankle felt great and he was "really happy" with how it felt in his game with the Toronto Marlies over the weekend, signaling a full return with the Toronto Maple Leafs at some point soon.
"That's the spot I was hoping to get to and aiming for and in the game, I wasn't thinking about it too much," Woll said. "I was able to go on autopilot and just play so I was really."
Woll has been out of the Leafs lineup since Dec. 7 when he suffered a high-ankle sprain in a game against the Ottawa Senators. It's been a long road for Woll since that time to get himself back into game shape and clearly the Leafs liked what they saw in Woll's 36-save performance against the Laval Rocket on Friday that they were able to get him back into Leafs practice, the team's first in eight days.
So when will Woll return?
"He says he feels good but I haven't had a chance to talk to the medical team as to what's next, Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Woll. "It'll be a day-to-day thing as we get Joe back up to speed and managing the three guys."
The Leafs appear set to roll with Ilya Samsonov in goal when they host the Vegas Golden Knights based on how much extra work Woll received following practice on Monday, but that's not confirmed. Martin Jones left before the practice began, but that was the intention to give Woll his own net for a full practice session.
But when Woll returns, will the Leafs carry three guys?
Keefe has no problem with it. But acknowledges it's not up to him.
"We can manage that but that, of course, will be up to Tre (Leafs GM Brad Treliving in managing the roster."
The Maple Leafs have been rolling in February as they currently ride a seven-game winning streak, their longest in over 20 years. Ilya Samsonov has started in six of those games. But despite a 6-1-0 record, his save percentage is .896.
Martin Jones, who filled in well with strong numbers in January, has seen his numbers tail off as well. Getting Woll back should help improve the team further. In 26 NHL games, Woll has a .919 save percentage.
The Leafs have games against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday and New York Rangers on Saturday. Thursday's game against a weaker opponent may be a good way for Woll to dip his toe back into the NHL pool after a long time away.
"I'm looking forward to helping this team out," Woll said.
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