Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Joseph Woll Steps Away for Personal Reasons
Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Joseph Woll has temporarily stepped away from the team to handle a family-related personal matter, general manager Brad Treliving announced during Tuesday's media session.
Privacy Requested
Treliving provided minimal details about Woll's departure, confirming only that it involves a family situation. The organization has not established a return timeline and is requesting that media and fans respect Woll's privacy during this period.
The team issued an official statement emphasizing that no additional information will be shared regarding the circumstances of Woll's absence.
Woll's temporary departure comes as he was preparing for what many expected to be a breakthrough 2025-26 campaign. The 27-year-old goaltender was coming off his most successful NHL season to date, despite beginning the 2024-25 year on injured reserve.
The Dardenne Prairie, Missouri native delivered career-best numbers across the board last season, appearing in 41 games while recording 27 victories, a 2.73 goals-against average, and a .909 save percentage. His stellar play, combined with Anthony Stolarz's contributions, helped Toronto capture its first division championship in four seasons.
Playoff Challenges
Woll's season took a dramatic turn during the Stanley Cup Playoffs when Stolarz suffered an injury in the opening game of the second round against Florida. Thrust back into the starting role, Woll battled valiantly but couldn't prevent the Panthers from eliminating Toronto in a seven-game series.
In that playoff series against Florida, Woll posted a 3-4 record with a 3.56 GAA, .886 save percentage, and one shutout performance. The Panthers subsequently went on to claim their second consecutive Stanley Cup title.
Despite ongoing injury concerns, including a lower-body issue that forced him out of Game 7 against Boston in the 2024 first round, Woll has demonstrated the skills necessary to serve as a franchise goaltender. He assumed the primary starter role during the 2023-24 season and, despite Stolarz proving his own starting capabilities, remains viewed as a cornerstone piece for Toronto's future.
Throughout his NHL tenure with the Maple Leafs, Woll has compiled impressive numbers across 78 regular-season appearances: 48 wins, 27 losses, 2 overtime/shootout losses, a 2.74 GAA, .910 save percentage, and two shutouts.
His playoff resume includes 14 games with a 6-6 record, 2.73 GAA, and .906 save percentage, showcasing his ability to maintain his regular-season form under postseason pressure.
Anthony Stolarz, amid negotiations on a contract extension with the #leafs, on why the Toronto market has been a good fit for him:
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 18, 2025
"I'm just a laid-back guy. I kind of look at it as I'm playing in the best men's league in the world." pic.twitter.com/PmyPfSDJrJ
Stolarz Sets Deadline for Maple Leafs Contract Talks
Anthony Stolarz has established a firm boundary regarding his contract extension discussions with the Toronto Maple Leafs, refusing to let negotiations drag into the regular season, according to sources speaking with The Athletic's Chris Johnston.
Extension Timeline Under Pressure
The veteran goaltender is approaching the final year of his two-year, $5-million deal signed with Toronto in summer 2024. With both sides working toward a new agreement, Stolarz has made it clear that any extension must be finalized before regular season action begins.
Industry insiders suggest that Stolarz's new contract would likely carry a higher annual cap hit than his current crease partner Joseph Woll, who earns $3.67 million per season.
Despite the tight timeline, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving expressed confidence about reaching a resolution before the October 8th season opener during Wednesday's media availability.
"Until circumstances prove otherwise, I believe we can identify a solution that benefits everyone involved, and ideally we'll accomplish that very soon," Treliving stated.
The GM had previously indicated his desire to secure Stolarz's future with the organization during early September comments.
Stolarz's inaugural season in Toronto provided compelling reasons for both sides to pursue an extension. The netminder posted impressive numbers with a 21-8-3 record while leading the entire NHL with a .926 save percentage.
His excellent performance came despite missing significant time for knee surgery during the campaign. Unfortunately, his season ended abruptly when he suffered an injury in the opening game of Toronto's second-round playoff series against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
The Maple Leafs appear well-positioned to accommodate Stolarz's expected salary increase, with approximately $24.8 million in projected cap space available for the 2026-27 season, when any new contract would take effect.
This financial cushion should provide both parties with room to negotiate terms that reflect Stolarz's proven value while maintaining Toronto's roster flexibility moving forward.
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