The Toronto Maple Leafs made a noteworthy move by extending the contract of backup goalie Joseph Woll, according to insider Kevin Weeks. This decision comes in the midst of ongoing efforts by the Leafs to address their goaltending needs, which were highlighted by last season’s struggles and their recent attempts to acquire veteran netminders like Jacob Markstrom.
Woll, a former top prospect within the Leafs’ organization, has been signed to a three-year extension, though the exact terms of the deal have yet to be officially announced. This extension is particularly intriguing given the Leafs’ pressing need for a reliable starting goalie, a position that significantly impacted their performance last season due to roster decisions involving Ilya Samsonov over Woll.
Despite Woll’s potential and the team’s apparent confidence in him, he remains relatively inexperienced at the NHL level, having played in only 39 career games. His development has also been hindered by injuries and disruptions such as COVID-19, which have limited his playing time over the past five years across both the NHL and AHL.
The decision to commit to Woll long-term raises eyebrows because of these factors. It suggests a willingness on the Leafs’ part to potentially rely on him as a starter, a move that could be seen as risky given his injury history and limited professional experience. The expected contract value of around $3.5 million annually over the next three years indicates a significant financial commitment, especially if the Leafs intend to pursue top-tier goalies like Juuse Saros or Jacob Markstrom, as previously rumored.
Critics view this extension as potentially premature, especially if the Leafs still plan to acquire a proven starting goalie. If such a move materializes, it would create a heavy financial burden in terms of goaltending expenditures. However, there is speculation that this extension could serve as a fallback plan, allowing the Leafs flexibility depending on their success in securing a top-tier goalie. If Woll excels and becomes the team’s starter, his relatively low cap hit would represent excellent value. Conversely, if another goalie is acquired, Woll’s contract could be manageable enough to facilitate a trade.
In essence, the signing of Joseph Woll represents a calculated risk by the Leafs. It aligns with a strategy that could yield significant dividends if Woll fulfills his potential as a starter. Conversely, if the Leafs fail to upgrade their goaltending further and rely solely on Woll or a lower-tier free agent option like Laurent Brossoit, skepticism about their goaltending strategy may intensify. The next steps for the Leafs in the goaltending market will be closely watched, as their decisions will shape their competitiveness in the upcoming NHL season.
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