The Toronto Maple Leafs open their season Wednesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.
They'll be shorthanded in the net.
Joseph Woll is unavailable to begin the season, leading Anthony Stolarz to shoulder a heavy load for as long as Woll is out.
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Why is Joseph Woll out?
Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll took a leave of absence from the team earlier this week to attend to a personal family matter. Toronto announced that news on Tuesday.
He had been put on the team's opening night roster by Monday's deadline, along with Stolarz.
Since then, the Maple Leafs picked up goalie Cayden Primeau off waivers to back up Stolarz while Woll is away.
GM Brad Treliving gave an update on Tuesday.
“We think things are progressing well, but I can't give you a timeframe right now," Treliving said of Woll to reporters.
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The 27-year old Woll is entering his fifth NHL season.
Last year was his most active and probably his best.
Woll went 27-14-1 in 2024-25. He had a 90.9 save percentage and a 2.73 goals against average.
The 6-foot-3 lefty is a key part of the Maple Leafs' plans for this season, and that'll still be true whenever he is back.
In the meantime, Stolarz will have to hold down the crease.
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