The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that goaltender Joseph Woll is returning from a personal leave of absence taken on Sept. 23. Woll will resume team activities and on-ice participation as part of a return-to-play process. No specific timeline for game action has been provided.
The Toronto Maple Leafs provided an update on goaltender Joseph Woll, who stepped away from the team just before training camp began on Sept. 23 to address a personal family matter. The club placed Woll on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on Oct. 23, a move retroactive to the start of the season that allows for his return after 30 days and 10 games, potentially as early as after the Oct. 29 matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In a statement released on Oct. 24, the Maple Leafs said: “The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that goaltender Joseph Woll is rejoining the team and will resume team activities and on-ice participation as part of the return-to-play process.” This development follows the club's patience during his absence, and Woll may participate in games with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League as part of a rehab assignment.
Woll, 27, was a key part of Toronto's goaltending last season, appearing in a career-high 42 games with a 27-14-1 record, 2.73 goals-against average (GAA), and .909 save percentage. In the playoffs, he started six games after Anthony Stolarz's head injury, finishing seven appearances with a 3-4 record, 3.56 GAA, and .886 save percentage. Over 78 career NHL games, all with the Leafs—whom he joined via the 62nd overall pick in the 2016 draft—Woll holds a 48-27-2 record, 2.74 GAA, and .910 save percentage.
With Woll sidelined, Stolarz has shouldered the load, posting a 2-3-1 record, 3.01 GAA, and .894 save percentage in six games this season. The return raises questions about the roster, particularly for Cayden Primeau, recently claimed off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. The Leafs may temporarily use a three-goalie setup but are expected to revert to their previous tandem.
