The idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs could eventually trade a goaltender drew exactly the reaction you’d expect from a fan base that has repeatedly been under fire for goaltender decisions in the past. Following our report outlining TSN insider Darren Dreger’s comments about Toronto potentially using its targeting as future trade capital, the reaction from readers was loud, skeptical and emotional.
And honestly? A lot of it makes sense.
Fans are united on one thing: don’t touch Woll or Hildeby
If there’s one clear takeaway from the comments section, it’s this: Leafs fans overwhelmingly believe that Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby should be untouchable.
Woll’s play when healthy has many convinced he is finally the long-term answer in net. Hildeby, meanwhile, is seen as the future between the pipes for Toronto: a young goaltender who is learning on the job and could become something special. Fans drew comparisons to past disasters, citing names like Tuukka Rask and Bernie Parent as cautionary tales.
Related: Insider suggests the Maple Leafs could move a goaltender
For a franchise that has been through this nightmare more than once, the fear of trading a goalie and regretting it is not irrational.
Anthony Stolarz seen as the odd one out – but with caveats
As a goalkeeper has to go, most fans agree it has to be Anthony Stolarz. Age, injury history and contract all work against him according to fans and readers. Several commentators pointed out that trading a nearly 32-year-old goalie with health issues makes much more sense than gambling on younger options with upside.
That said, not everyone is convinced that Stolarz would even have strong trade value. Some believe it would be difficult to take outright action and suggested waivers as a realistic outcome if Toronto needed cap flexibility. Others argued that there would be a market for a healthy Stolarz, given the number of teams desperate for stability in net.
The underlying theme? If Stolarz is moved, it must be done carefully — and only if the Leafs are confident Woll and Hildeby can stay healthy.
Fear of injury drives resistance
Perhaps the strongest counter to any goaltending trade is the fear of injury. No team can afford them, especially the Maple Leafs, who are already in an awkward position in the standings.
Fans repeatedly pointed out that Toronto has already had to rely on three goaltenders this season. Woll’s history, Stolarz’s current absence and the unpredictability of the position have convinced many that trading from a position of strength would be reckless.
“Keep all three” was a recurring sentiment – not because it’s ideal from a cap perspective, but because it feels necessary. The Leafs finally have stability in net, something they haven’t enjoyed in years, and fans are terrified of losing it at the first sign of success.
Distrust in management continues
Not surprisingly, Brad Treliving didn’t have the full confidence of Leafs Nation to make the right move. A handful of comments reflected a real level of distrust in Leafs management, especially when it comes to trades. Many of his summer moves have not worked out as well as the team would have liked and any move involving a goalkeeper will be scrutinized relentlessly, no matter how logical it looks on paper.
Dreger never suggested an impending trade, so that’s good news for fans worried that Toronto might rush to pull the trigger. Instead, this is a potential offseason move if and when the right opportunity presents itself.
For now, the Leafs will absolutely have to ride with what they have. But if Hildeby continues to make progress and Woll proves he can stay healthy, Toronto could ultimately be faced with a difficult – but necessary – decision. Whether fans are ready for that conversation is another matter entirely.
Next: New Maple Leafs change could get them ready for the playoffs
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