The Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending picture remains one of the club’s most compelling storylines as we progress through the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign. With Joseph Woll currently being out of the crease due to family or personal reasons, the situation has some uncertainty. Anthony Stolarz is carrying the bulk of starts, and backup options are still finding their footing. The absence of Woll looms large. Woll’s presence isn’t simply nice to have, it represents Toronto’s needs to take the next step.
Proven Performance Under Pressure for the Leafs Joseph Woll
Woll’s body of work has demonstrated a reliable blend of composure and effectiveness, especially in high-leverage moments. Over his first 78 NHL games, he compiled a record of 48-27-2 with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. In the 2024-25 regular season, Woll appeared in 42 games for the Maple Leafs, posting a 27-14-1 record, a 2.73 GAA and a .909 save percentage. Those aren’t just modest numbers, they place Woll among Toronto’s most consistent netminders in recent memory.
Playoff Calibre Credentials
Beyond the regular season, Woll’s Stanley Cup playoff performances have legitimized his value. One signature moment we remember was in Game 6 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Woll recorded a shutout, making 22 saves in a 2-0 win over the Florida Panthers to force Game 7. This clutch outing speaks to Woll’s ability to thrive when the stakes are highest, a quality the Leafs desperately need, given their long-running struggles to advance deep into the playoffs.
Current Gap in the Crease
For the 2025-26 season, Woll is on a leave of absence due to personal or family reasons, with no return timetable publicly confirmed.
In the meantime, the Leafs’ goaltending tandem has posted a collective .899 save percentage to open the year. That is a stat that will need to improve to be true contenders in the NHL. With Stolarz assuming primary duties, Toronto lacks the proven depth that Woll provided. This is a vulnerability in a division loaded with high-powered offences.
Why Woll’s Return Matters
First of all, he can stabilize the workload and provide risk management. By adding Woll back into the mix, the Leafs can manage Stolarz’s workload more effectively and avoid overtaxing a single goalie over the course of the long season and potential playoff push. Analysts such as Henrik Lundqvist have emphasized the need for Toronto to “balance” the crease rather than lean exclusively on one option.
Another key trait of Woll, is his performance uplift in high-stakes games. Woll’s track record suggests that he elevates his game when it matters most. Re-introducing that level of performance provides the Leafs with a credible backstop something critical when playoff margins narrow.
Finally, for Woll, his depth provides insurance against injury, or also inconsistent play. Goaltender injuries, slumps or fatigue can derail even the most talented rosters. Bringing Woll back helps mitigate that risk and gives Toronto a two-goalie plan a luxury that playoff calibre teams consistently maintain.
The Road to Return
When Woll does return, his next steps are likely to be incremental. Perhaps splitting starts or serving in a timeshare while reacclimating to the pace. The Maple Leafs’ coaching and management staff would do well to ease him back in, ensuring his confidence and rhythm are restored before deploying him in full form.
Bottom Line
The Toronto Maple Leafs have one of the most talented skater rosters in the NHL. In contrast, that advantage is compromised if the crease remains a question mark. Woll’s absence is more than just a missing body it’s the loss of a dependable performer with a track record of rising to big occasions. For Toronto to truly convert promise into playoff success, Woll’s return isn’t just welcomed, it may be necessary.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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