Toronto Maple Leafs News

Joseph Woll played well in his return from a lower-body injury in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, but the Maple Leafs seem to be easing the often-injured netminder back into action, turning to Hildeby on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. The 24-year-old Hildeby struggled in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 32 shots (.813 SV%) in a 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. That said, the Swedish netminder had been excellent between the pipes, posting a 1.85 GAA and .933 SV% in 10 games (3-4-3) before his blip against the Oilers. The Maple Leafs enter the action on Thursday as +135 road underdogs against a Capitals team that has been outscored 10-1 in their last two games (0-2-0).

Joseph Woll played well in his return from a lower-body injury in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, but the Maple Leafs seem to be easing the often-injured netminder back into action, turning to Hildeby on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. The 24-year-old Hildeby struggled in his most recent outing, allowing six goals on 32 shots (.813 SV%) in a 6-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. That said, the Swedish netminder had been excellent between the pipes, posting a 1.85 GAA and .933 SV% in 10 games (3-4-3) before his blip against the Oilers. The Maple Leafs enter the action on Thursday as +135 road underdogs against a Capitals team that has been outscored 10-1 in their last two games (0-2-0).

With the return of Joseph Woll (lower body), Akhtyamov has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Akhtyamov was drafted in the fourth round, 106th overall, by the Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 24-year-old goalie made his NHL debut in relief over the weekend, saving all five shots he faced in half of a period. He has a 2.82 GAA and .894 SV% in six games (4-2-0) with the Marlies (AHL) this season.

Stolarz, originally considered day-to-day, has been sidelined since suffering an upper-body injury on November 11th. The team has not revealed concrete details about his injury, but this latest development suggests he is not close to returning. The 31-year-old Stolarz struggled before his injury, posting a 3.51 GAA and .884 SV% in 13 games (6-5-1).

Woll has not played since suffering a lower-body injury late in a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on December 4th, but will return to the crease on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Woll has been excellent when healthy this season, but that has unfortunately provided a very small sample size, posting a 2.44 GAA and .923 SV% in eight games (4-3-1). With Woll's injury history, the Maple Leafs may take the cautious route and alternate starts with Dennis Hildeby, who has played well for them this season. The Maple Leafs enter Tuesday's contest as sizable -196 home favorites against a Blackhawks team that has scored just six goals in its last five games (1-4-0).

Woll has not played since suffering a lower-body injury late in a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on December 4th. He was given a roughly one-week recovery timeline, which would hold true if he can return to the crease on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. With Woll's injury history, the Maple Leafs may take the cautious route and alternate starts with Dennis Hildeby, who has played well for them this season.

Tanev has not played since November 1st, but is inching his way towards a return after practicing on Monday. Regularly one of the league's best shot blocked, Tanev will provide needed stability on a Maple Leafs' blueline that has been plagued with injuries.

Joshua did not play in Toronto's most recent game due to an illness, but was back at practice on Monday, and should be ready to suit up on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 29-year-old Joshua is averaging 12:26 time-on-ice, recording 99 hits and nine points (5G / 4A) in 29 games this season.

Maccelli did not practice on Monday due to illness, and it is unclear whether he will be ready to suit up when Toronto returns to action tomorrow against the Chicago Blackhawks. That said, Maccelli has been a healthy scratch for the previous two weeks and was probably not being rushed back into the lineup with the team playing above .500 during that stretch.

Rifai has yet to play this season, but could make his debut, returning from a wrist injury on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. The 27-year-old defenseman only has two games of NHL experience.