Maple Leafs Goalie Drawing Flyers Interest Amid Waiver Uncertainty

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in an interesting spot as they head into the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. With injuries to both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, they’ve seen the emergence of Dennis Hildeby, who stepped up when the team needed him most. However, as they approach the deadline, there is a chance they could elect to trade one of their three NHL goaltenders to recoup assets.

It has now been reported that the Philadelphia Flyers are searching for goaltending help and could be interested in Hildeby.

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Flyers Linked to Hildeby

The Maple Leafs don’t necessarily need to make a decision on their goaltending this season. That said, if they are looking to retool, it might make sense to move one goalie for future assets. That’s why an offer from the Flyers for Hildeby is at least worth considering. Still, it may be smarter to hold onto him unless the return is simply too good to pass up.

Hildeby has shown he can be a reliable NHL goaltender. He may not project as a full-time starter right now, but he looks like a strong backup option with upside. This season, in 19 games, he posted a .912 save percentage with a 2.90 goals-against average. That’s impressive for a goalie who hasn’t been asked to carry a heavy workload at the NHL level.

He’s been the starter in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies, but when he was forced into the role at the NHL level due to injuries, he thrived. Because of that, the Maple Leafs should seriously consider keeping their young, homegrown goaltender and instead look at parting with either Stolarz or Woll.

Maple Leafs Should Offer Stolarz Instead

Rather than trading Hildeby, Toronto could offer the Flyers Stolarz. He is signed to an extension that kicks in next season and could still be viewed as a starting option. He also has familiarity with the Flyers, having played for them in 2016 after being drafted by the organization in 2012. The fit makes sense. Philadelphia lacks a bona fide starter who can help stabilize things, and Stolarz has shown in Toronto that he can handle that role.

Meanwhile, Hildeby could continue to develop in a tandem over the next few seasons before eventually being given a chance to take on a larger role. Ideally, the Maple Leafs would keep Hildeby. However, we’ve seen this organization move on from young, promising players before, whether it be goaltenders, defencemen, or forwards. They’ve made mistakes in the past, with the most recent example being Fraser Minten. It’s not something they’ll want to repeat just a year later.

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