As we approach the NHL’s 2023 Trade Deadline on Friday, March 3rd. Trade rumors surrounding the beloved Maple Leafs continue to wave. Whether it’s a forward or a defenseman, the Maple Leafs will surely make an addition. However, a goaltender? I’m not so sure about that. Let’s look at the Maple Leafs’ goaltending depth as we get closer to the deadline.
The Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation was the team’s story of the offseason. After Kyle Dubas made a flurry of moves at the position, trading Petr Mrazek to Chicago, letting Jack Campbell walk in free agency, acquiring Senators Matt Murray, and then signing ex-Capital Ilya Samsonov. It’s safe to say there were many question marks surrounding the position coming into the season. However, the team’s gotten good value out of both new goaltenders.
Let’s be honest, the on-ice play from Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov is not why some fans are worried; it’s the injuries. Both respective goaltenders have missed time at some point this season, forcing Erik Kallgren to see ten of the team’s first fifty-two games. Now, with Matt Murray being placed on injured reserve yesterday. It could force Leafs’ goaltender Joseph Woll into action as soon as this weekend. Don’t be surprised the 24-year-old gets in a game with the Maple Leafs hosting a back-to-back with Columbus.
1. Ilya Samsonov
Let’s start with Ilya Samsonov, the 25-year-old former first-round pick of the Washington Capitals. Samsonov has been huge for the Maple Leafs this season, especially on home ice. Ilya has seventeen wins, six losses, and two overtime losses through twenty-five games. Despite his impressive record, the Maple Leaf netminder also has 2.42 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. Just how good has Samsonov been this year? The 25-year-old ranks top-10 in goals against average and has 9.5 goals saved above expected per moneypuck.com. When Samsonov’s been healthy this season, he’s usually performed well. Despite a down stretch near the holiday season, Samsonov has rebounded strongly, giving the Leafs above-replacement-level goaltending.
2. Matt Murray
Let’s look at Samsonov’s goaltending partner now, Stanley Cup-winning veteran Matt Murray. The 28-year-old goaltender from Thunder Bay, Ontario, has had trouble battling injuries, but when healthy, he’s been reliable. Playing in nineteen games for the Maple Leafs this year, Murray has eleven wins, five losses, and two overtime losses with 2.73 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. Since Matt Murray’s departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins, it’s been a little rough for the 28-year-old. However, it looks like he’s found consistency here in Toronto when healthy. The veteran has 4.8 goals saved above expected per moneypuck.com and has done well-controlling rebounds. The Maple Leafs’ goaltender has had some really good performances, especially the Maple Leafs’ 4-0 victory in Dallas on December 6th. Despite being placed on the injured reserve, I don’t think we’ve seen the best from Matt Murray just yet. Something tells me his quiet and controlled play will translate well in the playoffs for Toronto.
3. Joseph Woll
The third goaltender on the Leafs’ depth chart is a fun conversation after the emergence in the American Hockey League Joseph Woll. It seems like he’s skyrocketed up the list ahead of Erik Kallgren. Before Woll’s injury last season, the 24-year-old played with the big club for a stretch. In only four NHL games, Woll has three wins and one loss with 2.75 goals against average and a .911 save percentage. In the American Hockey League this season, through fourteen games, Woll has thirteen wins and one loss with a .930 save percentage and 2.36 goals against average. The 24-year-old’s stellar return from injury earned him a spot in the American Hockey League’s All-Star game. Woll did well in the event, winning the CCM’s Top Goaltender in the Skills Competition. It’s unclear what exactly the plan is with the 24-year-old just yet, but he could play as soon as this weekend with the back-to-back.
4. Erik Kallgren
Now let’s finish off with Erik Kallgren, who’s already featured in ten games this season for the Maple Leafs. The 26-year-old former seventh-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes has done fairly well when called upon. Now there have been some bad moments, of course. However, expectations need to be taken into consideration with how Kallgren was thrown into these situations over the last couple of seasons. So far, with the Maple Leafs in 2022-23, Kallgren has three wins, two losses, and four losses in overtime with 2.67 goals against average and a .898 save percentage. Honestly, you could do way worse with your fourth goaltender on the depth chart. Would I trust Kallgren in high-leverage games? No, not yet. However, I struggle to find a fourth goaltender across the league I’d rather have.
After going through these four goaltenders, I don’t exactly see a need to add another one to the mix. With Keith Petruzzelli also featuring in some games for the Marlies, I think assets would be better spent elsewhere. I struggle to think of a depth goaltending option that would be worth the assets while also bringing the upside of a Joseph Woll or Erik Kallgren. It’s definitely a position to keep an eye on, but not one I’d spend on right away with this current Maple Leaf roster.
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