Maple Leafs Assign Joseph Woll to the Toronto Marlies

Leafs PR announced earlier today that the Maple Leafs have reassigned goaltender Joseph Woll to the Toronto Marlies.

Woll was a 3rd round pick for the Leafs in 2016, who had strong showings in back to back World Junior appearances for the United States. He completed his 4-year program at Boston College in 3 years, in order to graduate early and sign his Entry-Level Contract in time to join the Leafs for playoffs.

Woll had only one appearance in preseason, entering in third period of a game against the Red Wings. Woll looked solid, allowing one goal on 8 shots before going unbeaten in the shootout to secure the Leafs win.

Prior to that Woll missed the Prospect Tournament with a broken finger, but it didn’t seem to inhibit him in his limited appearance.

At Marlies training camp, Woll will battle with two other goalies on NHL contract, Kasimir Kaskisuo and Ian Scott. Complimenting that trio is Maksim Zhukov on an AHL deal, Brandon Halverson and Mitch Gilliam on Professional Tryouts. Kaskisuo is the favourite to retain the starting job, but there’s real opportunity to come in as backup and win a lot of starts. This is Woll’s chance to insert himself in that position, in turn pushing Scott down to the Growlers where he can get more starts.

Michal Neuvirth’s appearance at training camp on PTO suggests the Leafs may still be looking to upgrade their backup, and they’ll have the opportunity to through waivers or trade. This could potentially force Michael Hutchinson to the minors, crowding the Marlies crease, but as it stands I would pencil Joseph Woll in as Marlies backup.