Leafs Goalie Prospect Dennis Hildeby Shares Interesting Take on a Delayed NHL Debut
Leafs goalie prospect Dennis Hildeby discussed the idea of a potential NHL debut this season and revealed why he's not sweating the small stuff.
The Toronto Maple Leafs look set in net for the future. They have Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz and Matt Murray signed through this season, and 3 goalie prospects on the way, including Swedish sensation Dennis Hildeby.
Hildeby (AKA Hildebeast) is a towering, imposing goaltender, standing 6'7". The 23-year-old had an excellent AHL season last year, posting a .913 save percentage, 21 wins (a Marlies record) and receiving AHL All-Star honours. He was also called up to the Leafs when injuries hit last season, but still has yet to see NHL action. Despite that, Hildeby states that being called up isn't on his mind.
"I just don't want it to take up too much of my thinking or my brain time or whatever, because I think that can create some problems. Of course, that's what I'm going for for sure. I'm just trying to do my best," Hildeby said in an interview with Nick Barden of The Hockey News.
It's a reasonable stance to take. Woll and Stolarz are with the Leafs and until there are injuries, the net for the Toronto Marlies is Hildeby's to lose. This is only his second pro season in North America and there's no need to rush him. Let him dominate in the minors and build upon last year.
Considering that Woll, as good as he is, and Murray, finally fully healthy, appear to be made of glass, it's almost a certainty Hildeby will be called up to play a game or two this season. For the first time in a long time, Toronto has an abundance of reliable goalies, and we can't be mad at that.
Earlier this offseason, when Yaroslav Askarov was available, the Leafs didn't pounce, which tells me that they have an immense amount of faith in Woll and Hildeby. It's not quite his time yet, but by the time Anthony Stolarz's 2-year deal is up, it could be Hildeby's time to shine.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 1017 ANSWERS Leafs Goalie Prospect Dennis Hildeby Shares Interesting Take on a Delayed NHL Debut How many NHL games will Dennis Hildeby play this season? | ||
| 0 | 237 | 23.3 % |
| 1 | 67 | 6.6 % |
| 2 | 193 | 19 % |
| 3+ | 520 | 51.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
