Insider reveals the Leafs' plans for how they'll handle goaltending as we approach the deadline
Earlier this season, Matt Murray missed a month with an adductor injury and, just prior to the All-Star break, pulled out of a scheduled start during warm-ups due to an ankle injury. Murray has not skated since and has essentially handed the starting role to Ilya Samsonov, who has started seven in a row for the Leafs going 4-2-1 in that span.
So far this season, Samsonov is 17-6-2 with 2 shutouts, a 2.42 GAA and .913 save percentage, which is far better than what the Leafs have had from starters in past seasons in recent memory. However, with the injury to Murray, many have wondered if the Leafs would have to change their deadline day plans and acquire a third, experienced goaltender as added insurance for their playoff run. That does not appear to be the case according to Elliotte Friedman, who believes the Leafs main focus will be adding on the blueline and up front. Why? because the Leafs don't have enough assets to add to all three positions and the first two are more glaring needs than in net.
The Leafs also have enough goaltending depth in their system, in Friedman's mind, to tread water should Murray be out for a lengthy amount of time. Joseph Woll, in particular, has played well with the Marlies. Woll was just recalled on an emergency basis after being sent down by the Leafs to allow him to participate in the AHL All-Star Game, where he was named the top goalie. Additionally, Woll is 12-1 in 13 starts with the Marlies since returning from off-season surgery.
While having Woll or Kallgren or both, should it come to that, involved in a post-season run, could be catastrophic, not addressing their needs of a middle-six winger and a "Jake Muzzin" type blueliner will hurt them more than their goaltending does. The Leafs have played much better defensively this season than in years past, so it would be easier to adjust the game plan and play a tighter defensive structure in front of their netminder. Not to mention that having that extra scoring forward in the fold could help in those razor-close games where 1 goal has been the difference.
| POLL | ||
8 FEVRIER | 249 ANSWERS Insider reveals the Leafs' plans for how they'll handle goaltending as we approach the deadline Should the Leafs use Woll as their 3G? Or should they acquire an insurance goalie at the deadline? | ||
| Use Woll as 3G | 213 | 85.5 % |
| Trade for an insurance goalie | 36 | 14.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
