The NHL’s Goalie Crisis Could Help the Maple Leafs Market Correct

Toronto might actually be in a seller’s position in a weak goalie market, even if their own situation isn’t perfect. Additionally, the Leafs’ goaltending isn’t great—but the rest of the league might be in even worse shape.

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A conversation between TSN OverDrive’s Jeff O’Neill and NHL insider Chris Johnston demonstrated just how problematic things are around the league for teams that are looking for goalie upgrades. And, despite the Maple Leafs’ struggles this season, it puts them in an enviable position.

What Will Happen With the Maple Leafs Goaltending Moving Forward?

Johnston noted, “I think it’s certainly an area of depth for them, and one where—look—goaltending trades don’t tend to bring back a lot in return. That will probably dictate, in part, what they do in the offseason. But I think they can at least get into conversations with other teams to see if somebody wants an Anthony Stolarz or a Joseph Woll.”

He suggested that when talking about where the Leafs can look to find some gains, that’s a potential avenue. They do feel good about Dennis Hildeby and where he’s at. Obviously, he needs waivers next season, so that’s something that has to be factored in. The good news is both goalies are signed for the foreseeable future, and they like Hildeby.

I also think it’s notable that Artur Akhtyamov, who’s fourth on the depth chart, recently signed an extension.

O’Neill asked why Hildeby isn’t playing more down the stretch. Why not give him a chance to carry the load? Both of the other goaltenders have been injury-prone. Why put them through the wringer in games that don’t really mean anything? Other players have to be banged up too—so why is everyone still going out there every night?

“Is the thinking that putting Hildeby in would increase their odds of losing?” Johnston asked. O’Neill responded with, “Why not get him some experience? These games don’t mean much.”

Johnston: “He played, what, 15 games earlier in the year? It’s a fair point. But they only have two more call-ups available under the rules, so there are limitations. Obviously, they want the Marlies to be competitive as well, so there’s a balance.”

The Leafs have called up a couple of forwards, and you’ll probably see a bit more of that as things wind down. But the Leafs are in a no-win spot right now. They didn’t expect to be this low in the standings, and while we’re getting close to the end, there are still games left.

“It’s not like baseball in September, where teams out of it can call up everyone. The NHL doesn’t work that way, so there are restrictions,” said the insider.

Can the Maple Leafs Use a Goaltender to Market Correct?

O’Neill said, that there always seems to be a market correction in the NHL. Tampa Bay wasn’t very tough or physical, so they added that and won Cups. If you can’t defend, you add shutdown defensemen. If you’re not tough, you add fighters.

“So what’s the correction here?,” he asked.

Johnston: “I don’t know, because there are almost no free agents at the goaltending position. Sergei Bobrovsky is the biggest name, and even then, I can’t really see him willingly leaving Florida.”

Beyond Bobrovsky, there’s almost nobody. Even Anthony Stolarz, who could have been a UFA, signed his extension earlier this season in Toronto. As such, this might not be the worst environment if the Leafs decide to move one of their goalies.

Ultimately, he argued that we’ll probably see more trades because there are no easy solutions in free agency where you can just throw money at the problem. That could actually benefit a team like the Leafs if they have a goalie they’re willing to move.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs Will Talk to Tanev, News on Two Oilers Stars