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The Toronto Maple Leafs organization addressed their goaltending depth concerns Wednesday by signing Brandon Bonello to a professional tryout agreement. The move comes as the organization deals with multiple injuries to their netminders at both the NHL and AHL levels.
Bonello, 26, returns to the Maple Leafs system after previously spending time with the organization during the 2022-23 season. He was brought in on an emergency basis back then to provide insurance while Matt Murray dealt with injuries, serving as the emergency backup for Toronto's April 8, 2023 game against Montreal.
The Injury Situation
Toronto's goaltending depth has been tested significantly this season. At the NHL level, both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll are currently sidelined with injuries, forcing the Maple Leafs to rely on Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov as their tandem.
This shuffle has created a domino effect at the AHL level. The Toronto Marlies are left with only Vyacheslav Peksa and Ken Appleby as their goaltenders, and Appleby is currently dealing with his own injury issues. This thin depth chart necessitated bringing Bonello aboard to ensure the Marlies have adequate goaltending coverage.
Bonello's Background
Bonello spent five seasons in the OHL between Saginaw and Kingston. With the Saginaw Spirit, he posted a 3-13-2 record over three years before moving to the Kingston Frontenacs, where he went 11-49-4 across two seasons. His junior career statistics reflect playing on struggling teams rather than individual performance issues.
The 26-year-old hasn't appeared in professional hockey since his previous stint with the Marlies organization, though he never actually suited up for a game during that time.
What's Next
There's no indication that Toronto plans to sign Bonello to a standard contract beyond the PTO. This appears to be strictly a depth move to ensure the Marlies have three healthy goaltenders available while the organization sorts out its injury situation.
Bonello was on the bench for the Marlies' road game against Laval on Wednesday, with Peksa getting the start. Whether he sees any game action will likely depend on how long Toronto's goaltending injuries persist and whether Ken Appleby can return to health.
For Bonello, the PTO represents an opportunity to get back into professional hockey and prove he deserves a contract. If Toronto's injury issues continue or worsen, his performance in practice and any potential game action could earn him a more permanent deal with the organization.
The Bigger Picture
The Maple Leafs' goaltending situation highlights the importance of organizational depth. Injuries at the NHL level immediately impact the AHL affiliate, and without adequate depth, teams can find themselves scrambling for emergency solutions.
Toronto has managed their goaltending injuries reasonably well so far, but if the situation persists, they may need to explore more substantial solutions, either through trades or more permanent signings.
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