New Goalie Trade Rumors Hit a Nerve With Maple Leafs Fans

The idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs might eventually trade a goaltender sparked exactly the reaction you’d expect from a fan base that has been burned — repeatedly — by goalie decisions in the past. After our report outlining TSN insider Darren Dreger’s comments about Toronto potentially using its goaltending depth as future trade capital, the response from readers was loud, skeptical, and emotional.

And honestly? A lot of it makes sense.

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Fans Are United on One Thing: Don’t Touch Woll or Hildeby

If there was one clear takeaway from the comment section, it’s this: Leafs fans overwhelmingly believe Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby should be untouchable.

Woll’s play when healthy has convinced many he’s finally the long-term answer in net. Hildeby, meanwhile, is being viewed as the future between the pipes for Toronto— a young goaltender learning on the job who could become something special. Fans made comparisons to past disasters, throwing out names like Tuukka Rask and Bernie Parent as cautionary tales.

Related: Insider Suggests the Maple Leafs Could Look to Move a Goaltender

For a franchise that has lived this exact nightmare more than once, that fear of trading a goalie and them coming to regret it isn’t irrational.

Anthony Stolarz Seen as the Odd Man Out — But With Caveats

If a goalie has to go, most fans agree it should be Anthony Stolarz. Age, injury history, and contract all work against him, according to fans and readers. Several commenters pointed out that trading a near 32-year-old goalie with health concerns makes far more sense than gambling on younger options with upside.

That said, not everyone is convinced Stolarz would even have strong trade value. Some believe he’d be difficult to move outright and suggested waivers as a realistic outcome if Toronto needed cap flexibility. Others argued there would be a market for a healthy Stolarz, given how many teams are desperate for stability in net.

The underlying theme? If Stolarz is moved, it needs to be done carefully — and only if the Leafs are confident Woll and Hildeby can stay healthy.

Injury Anxiety Is Driving the Resistance

Perhaps the strongest pushback against any goalie trade is the fear of injuries. No team can afford them, especially not the Maple Leafs, who are already in an uncomfortable position in the standings.

Fans repeatedly pointed out that Toronto has already been forced to rely on three goaltenders this season. Woll’s history, Stolarz’s current absence, and the unpredictability of the position have convinced many that trading from a position of strength would be reckless.

“Keep all three” was a recurring sentiment — not because it’s ideal from a cap perspective, but because it feels necessary. The Leafs finally have stability in net, something they haven’t enjoyed in years, and fans are terrified of losing it at the first sign of success.

Distrust in Management Still Lingers

Not surprisingly, Brad Treliving didn’t have the full confidence of Leafs Nation to pull off the right move. A handful of comments reflected a real level of distrust in Leafs management, especially when it comes to trades. Many of his summer moves haven’t panned out as well as the team might have liked and any move involving a goalie will be scrutinized relentlessly, no matter how logical it looks on paper.

Dreger never suggested an imminent trade, so that’s good news for fans worried that Toronto might hasitly pull the trigger on something. Instead, this is a potential offseason move if and when the right opportunity arises.

For now, the Leafs should absolutely ride what they have. But if Hildeby continues to progress and Woll proves he can stay healthy, Toronto may eventually face a difficult — but necessary — decision. Whether fans are ready for that conversation is another matter entirely.

Next: New Maple Leafs Change Might Make Them Playoff Ready