Most Interesting Maple Leafs Goalie Story Isn’t About Wins

Although Dennis Hildeby’s record doesn’t jump off the page right now, it doesn’t really tell the full story. In 19 games this season, he’s put up a 2.84 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. He’s often done it while playing behind a defence that’s allowed chances and goals when other goalies were in the net.

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But if you actually watch a game where the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defence plays well in front of him, what stands out isn’t the numbers. It was how little drama there was around him. And for a young goalie, that’s quite something.

What are three reasons why Hildeby could become the Maple Leafs’ goalie of the future?

Reason 1: Hildeby Makes the Game Feel Boring (In a Good Way)

Hildeby doesn’t look like a goalie hanging on. His movements were calm and economical. No wild scrambles, no over-sliding. No desperation shuffles from post to post. When the puck moved, his head moved first. When shots came through traffic, he stayed tall and trusted his size.

That’s tough for young goalies — learning to stay calm and not overreact. Hildeby doesn’t chase the game. He lets it come to him. Pucks hit him and stay hit. That’s not flashy, but it’s how you build success in the NHL.

Reason 2: Hildeby’s Rebound Control Is Already There

This is usually where young goalies give themselves away. Tight games get tighter, rebounds start popping loose, chaos follows.

That hasn’t happened with Hildeby. Shots into the chest stay there. Low shots are steered into safe areas. Even when rebounds occur, they’re predictable, not chaotic second-chance opportunities. That matters, especially for a Maple Leafs team that’s trying to play more structured, playoff-style hockey.

You could see how his teammates play in front of him. The defence doesn’t collapse. There’s little scrambling. Everyone stays in their lanes because they trust what’s behind them.

Reason 3: Hildeby Doesn’t Carry Mistakes Forward

When other teams score, Hildeby doesn’t react much at all. No slumped shoulders. No exaggerated reset. He handed the puck to the official and went right back to work.

That might seem like a small thing, but it’s not really small. Teammates notice when a goalie doesn’t let a goal snowball. We saw the same thing from Joseph Woll earlier in the week. The goal goes in; the next save matters more.

That mindset is hard to teach.

So What Does Hildeby Mean for the Maple Leafs?

Hildeby isn’t ready to be handed the crease — and he shouldn’t be. But he also doesn’t look like a long-term project anymore. He looks like a piece who could be with the team for a long time.

With spot starts in controlled situations, he can build confidence without being overexposed. And more importantly, he gives the Maple Leafs options. Real ones. And for a team that’s been searching for goalie stability for years, that might be the most important thing of all.

Related: Analyst: Maple Leafs In Trouble with Matthews, Nylander at the Helm