Joseph Woll has only played a preseason game for the Leafs, and for a #1 goaltender, that's a bit strange. Is his future as the starter in doubt due to management?
Joseph Woll emerged as the #1 goaltender of the future for the Maple Leafs, after a rough spell with Ilya Samsonov, Woll came into the playoffs and kept Toronto in it, showcasing incredible poise and confidence but unfortunately suffered an injury in the literal last second of the game. Going into 2024-2025, Toronto had the utmost faith in Woll to lead them to success and added a premier backup to ease his transition to a #1 starter.
But having played only 30 minutes of a preseason game, and only one left to go, some are wondering what's going on with Joseph Woll. A #1 starter only playing half a game before being entrusted to win games when it matters is a strange tactic. Craig Berube still holds confidence in his starter, simply telling the media it's just strategy:
'We changed it up. I don't think I'd read too much into it. He's going to get his games. He's been doing well. He's had really good practices.'
It's a bit odd then that Anthony Stolarz has played more games, Denis Hildeby went the distance against Montreal, heck, even Artur Akhtyamov saw what felt like more action than Woll. You would think 'get his games' would mean more opportunities but it left Maple Leafs fans questioning their team's motives.
On the Real Kyper and Bourne podcast, hosts Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne spoke about the absence of Woll, and how it's very unbecoming of a #1 goaltender to play such limited minutes, even if it's preseason.
'How do you think Woll's looked?' asked Bourne. 'One game. Half a game.' Kypreos responded.Bourne continued 'Are we not talking about that enough? That we're going into the final preseason game and your starter has played for thirty minutes?'
It was then revealed that head coach Craig Berube was non-committal on his final preseason goaltender, preferring to keep his cards close to his chest; something both Kypreos and Bourne were puzzled by.
'Well then he's hurt.' Bourne said. Kypreos added 'He's probably playing Saturday, but if he doesn't and he's hurt, do you really want to start the season this way if you're the Leafs management team, misleading? But he'll play Saturday, one and a half games it is what it is.' Kypreos continued.'I don't think training camp is what it used to be; some guys want it, some guys need it, and some that don't, I don't know where Joseph Woll sits in that but as far as I'm concerned you gave Joseph Woll Saturday's start at home, with Auston Matthews, with assumed Mitch Marner; just to tee up Wednesday night. Don't read too much into this though everybody.'
Perhaps it is just a case of Woll not feeling like he needs to risk himself getting injured, as we've seen this preseason with not only John Tavares, William Nylander, and other Maple Leafs, but the gruesome injury to Patrik Laine as well. He feels he is game-ready and doesn't need the extra reps. Maybe Woll is hurting and he's trying to work through things and give himself the time to get ready for the season opener.
He isn't bulletproof and Woll does have an injury history which could factor into his absence, something GM Brad Treliving touched on last season. Perhaps he's not injured but why would Craig Berube risk possible injury knowing he has three NHL-ready goaltenders to cover for Woll's absence.
With the 2024-2025 regular season fast approaching and no real concrete news on whether Joseph Woll's status as #1 goaltender is a reality, it will be a very intriguing story to follow as the season unfolds, and Maple Leafs management is hopeful Woll's absence this preseason won't come back to bite them at the end of the season.
