Plans for young Leafs goaltender's immediate future revealed
As teams begin making offseason moves and developments, many changes can be seen not only for NHL teams but also for their AHL affiliates. Yesterday, it was announced that a Leafs goaltending prospect will likely be remaining in North America full-time to play with the Toronto Marlies this upcoming season.
21-year-old Dennis Hildeby was drafted 122nd overall at the 2022 entry draft and participated in the Leafs' development camp last summer. During the 2021-2022 season, he was part of Färjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League, who went on to win the Le Mat Trophy. Last season, he continued playing for Färjestad BK but also played two games with the Marlies.
It's standard that there are two primary AHL goalies for each team to be called up if need be, which means if Hildeby is set to join the Marlies for the upcoming season, one of their goalie spots is vacant. Currently, the Marlies' two main goalies that have been called up to the Leafs numerous times are Joseph Woll and Erik Källgren. Keith Petruzzelli is another name to consider when it comes to a share of the net with the Marlies.
If it were my guess, Hildeby would be taking over Woll's spot, so that Woll can graduate to the NHL on a full-time basis next season. Kallgren's future in Toronto is now far less certain, given the fact that Woll has seemingly jumped him on the depth chart. There's certainly reason to believe that Hildeby is well on his way to leapfrogging Kallgren as well.
The Leafs acquired Matt Murray in a trade last summer that left the Ottawa Senators retaining 25% of his salary. He is about to enter the final year of the contract he initially signed with Ottawa, which includes a no-move clause. It's possible we may see the Leafs buy out the remainder of his contract if they decide to re-sign Ilya Samsonov and pair him with Woll for the upcoming season.
| POLL | ||
3 JUIN | 270 ANSWERS Plans for young Leafs goaltender's immediate future revealed Will Hildeby be a full-time Toronto Marlie next season? | ||
| Yes | 232 | 85.9 % |
| No | 38 | 14.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
