The Toronto Maple Leafs have made significant adjustments to their goaltender roster just before resuming play following the holiday break. On Thursday, the Maple Leafs announced they had recalled Matt Murray from the Toronto Marlies and reassigned Dennis Hildeby to the AHL squad. This decision is particularly noteworthy following injuries within the team's goaltending lineup.
Matt Murray, 30, returns to the NHL after making his first start of the season on December 20 against the Buffalo Sabres. During this game, he made 24 saves out of 27 shots, contributing to the Leafs' 6-3 victory. This appeared to be a significant moment for the veteran goaltender, as it marked his first NHL start after over 21 months sidelined due to bilateral hip surgery. Clearly, it was a monumental return for Murray, who had worked diligently to get back onto the ice after such setbacks.
Hildeby, on the other hand, has had mixed results during his appearances for the Leafs this season. He has recorded three starts, accumulating a 2-1-0 record, with a 3.68 goals-against average and an .875 save percentage. The young goalie was expected to take the ice for the Marlies as they face the Belleville Senators during their annual holiday game at Scotiabank Arena. His recent form prompted this reassignment, allowing him to gain some much-needed playing experience.
Anthony Stolarz's recent surgery, performed on December 18, sparked the alteration of the roster. Stolarz was expected to be sidelined for several weeks following the procedure to remove loose cartilage from his knee. This unforeseen injury created space for Murray to return and shifts Hildeby back to the minors for more playing time.
According to reports, sending Hildeby to the Marlies was critically timed. The NHL mandates teams to have two active goalies at all times, which necessitated Murray's recall to prevent the team from violating league rules. The situation allows them to manage waivers effectively, with Murray having already cleared waivers earlier this season, making it feasible to move him back down to the Marlies if he's not starting.
Although Murray's recent performance was promising, the team is still dependent on Joseph Woll, who is also facing his share of struggles. Woll, having let in several goals over his last few games, is under pressure to shape up quickly. The Maple Leafs' coaching staff is likely contemplating their options closely, especially with back-to-back games looming against the Detroit Red Wings and the Washington Capitals this week.
It also opens various possibilities for goaltending lineup decisions. If Murray starts against the Red Wings, the expectation is he might be sent back to the Marlies right after for Hildeby to back Woll against the Capitals, utilizing roster flexibility efficiently. This back-and-forth strategy is certainly about making the most of Murray's unique waiver situation, allowing him 10 games or 30 days on the roster without needing to go through waivers again—a far more favorable position than before.
For Murray, this period marks both relief and urgency as he aims to establish himself again as the starter for the Maple Leafs. The pain of missing so much time weighs on him, making this return all the more significant. Murray's historical performance demonstrates his potential; throughout his career with the Penguins, Senators, and existing tenure with the Leafs, he holds strong statistics with numerous wins under his belt and two Stanley Cups to his name.
He has shown glimpses of his past form, yet the looming threat of re-injury or faltering performance could curb his efforts to regain his place definitively. With the Maple Leafs sitting second in the Atlantic Division with 44 points, every game and every save counts, especially if they are to mount a serious challenge for the postseason.
The upcoming games will be pivotal as the Maple Leafs want to solidify their netminding alongside consistent scoring and defense. The pressure is mounting not just on Murray, who is back to reclaim his position, but also on Woll to step up his game. These adjustments are just as much about player development as they are about immediate competitive success. Can the Maple Leafs find the right blend of skilled goaltending to keep their postseason hopes alive? Only time will tell as they face their rivals and navigate the remains of the season.
