It’s evident that the goaltending duo in the crease for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season will be Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Woll received an extension, and Stolarz was brought in to provide reassurance, stability, and potentially challenge for the starter role. This tandem could be formidable.
However, there’s another factor to consider for the 2024-25 season: the return of veteran goaltender Matt Murray, who signed a one-year, $875,000 deal.
Murray’s Battle for a Roster Spot
Murray faces a tough battle for a roster spot this season, with Woll and Stolarz likely occupying the top two spots. Now healthy and ready to play, the best place for him could be either the American Hockey League (AHL) or as a third goalie in the NHL.
Murray Provides Extra Depth
Murray has a lot to prove this season, especially after missing most of the 2023-24 season due to bilateral hip surgery. He did play some games with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, finishing with a 1-2 record, an .846 save percentage, and a 4.03 goals-against average. While these numbers aren’t impressive, he was returning from significant surgery and showed improved movement and comfort on the ice. His efforts earned him an extension, highlighting his potential impact.
Keeping Murray provides the Maple Leafs with additional depth in goal, similar to what Martin Jones offered last season. This is crucial, especially considering Woll’s injury history. Woll posted strong numbers in the postseason (.964 SV%, 0.86 GAA) but missed significant time during the regular season and was unavailable for a pivotal Game 7 against the Boston Bruins. The team needs him healthy for success, making Stolarz and Murray’s presence vital.
If Stolarz assumes the starter role, Murray could earn some starts and provide reliable play, as he has shown in the past before his injuries. If Woll remains healthy, the Leafs would have a strong trio of goalies, with Murray as the third string.
Murray in the AHL Could Hinder Prospect Development
The Maple Leafs might carry three goalies, but if not, Murray would need waivers to be sent to the AHL. If he clears waivers, his presence could hinder the development of promising goaltending prospects like Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov.
Hildeby was among the top AHL goalies last season with a 21-11-7 record, a .913 SV%, and a 2.41 GAA. Akhtyamov was the best goalie in the VHL, winning the league championship with a .927 SV% in the regular season and a .932 in the postseason. Both are showing great promise, and having Murray in the AHL might stall their progress.
A possible solution could be starting Akhtyamov in the ECHL, leaving a spot for a Hildeby/Murray tandem. However, given Hildeby’s established status as a starter at that level, it might not be the best course to limit his opportunities.
Maple Leafs Can’t Go Wrong Carrying 3 Goalies
To avoid hindering prospect development, the Maple Leafs should consider carrying Murray as a third goalie. While there’s a risk of losing him and weakening depth, his experience could provide the needed reassurance given Woll’s health concerns and Stolarz’s lack of established starter status.
Murray’s past performance shows that he can still contribute effectively. If he can provide slightly better results than Jones did last season, it could make the goaltending position a strength for the team.