Joseph Woll is back: "decent chance" he makes his Leafs debut tonight

The Leafs have officially activated Joseph Woll and sent down Dennis Hildeby. NHL insider Darren Dreger says there is a "decent chance" he plays tonight.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have activated goalie Joseph Woll off of injured reserve, meaning he is now ready to return to the lineup. To make room for him on the roster, the corresponding move is sending Dennis Hildeby back to the AHL's Toronto Marlies after his emergency loan. The timing of his return isn't bad at all, and there's some speculation that he could make his season debut tonight against the St. Louis Blues, a team based in his hometown.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Woll could start against the Blues but, if not, will at least suit up as the backup to Anthony Stolarz. Stolarz, who inked a deal in Toronto to serve as a backup to Woll, has been sharp early on this season. He has put up great numbers through five games with a .938 save percentage and 1.83 goals-against average well above expectations and creating some competition in the crease.

It was later announced by Elliotte Friedman on X that indeed, Joseph Woll will be starting.

Woll has been out of action since leaving practice with a lower-body injury ahead of the season opener on October 9. Coming into the season, the 26-year-old was projected to be the Leafs' starter this year after a solid campaign last season in which he appeared in 25 games and compiled a 12-11-1 record with a 2.95 GAA and .907 save percentage. His injury also kept him out of Game 7 in the Leafs' first-round playoff series loss to the Boston Bruins, something that hit close to home for any real aspirations the team had going into the postseason.
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This season means a little more to Woll, who signed a three-year contract extension worth $11 million during the off-season. A 62nd overall pick by the Leafs back in 2016, Woll has played in 36 NHL games over the course of the last three seasons. So far, his development has been slow and steady. The Leafs are very excited about his return in hopes he will be able to regain his starter position and help the team win games.

As the Maple Leafs meander their way through the early part of their season, carrying a 4-3-0 record, goaltending remains a critical storyline. Anthony Stolarz has started four games, thus giving him a 3-2-0 record, while Dennis Hildeby, in his brief stint, went 1-1 with a 4.03 GAA. And with Joseph Woll back in the mix, the Leafs now have more options in net as they try to build some consistency and climb the standings.

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