Toronto Maple Leafs confronting goaltending dilemma echoing Tuukka Rask saga

Back then, trading Rask to the Bruins for goaltender Andrew Raycroft seemed like a promising move. Raycroft had a solid record with the Bruins, boasting a .908 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average over just over 100 games. He had also won the Calder Trophy in the 2003-04 season, with an impressive .926 save percentage and a minimal 2.05 GAA.

Unfortunately, the Leafs mishandled the situation by thrusting Raycroft into 72 games during his first season in Toronto, far exceeding his previous career high of 57 games. The heavy workload took a toll, causing his statistics to deteriorate significantly, with his save percentage falling below .900 and his GAA rising to just under 3.00. He also led the league in goals against, allowing 205.

Raycroft's performance worsened in the following season, where he played only 19 games and posted a dismal 2-9-5 record, along with an .874 save percentage and a 3.92 GAA. That season marked his last with Toronto.

Raycroft went on to play just 81 more games across various teams before retiring. In contrast, Rask's career flourished, making a case for the Hockey Hall of Fame with 308 career wins and a .921 save percentage.

This summer, the Leafs signed Anthony Stolarz to a two-year, $2.5 million AAV contract to partner with the young netminder Joseph Woll. Stolarz, formerly with the Panthers, had an excellent season last year and boasts solid career numbers overall.

However, Stolarz has only played in 108 NHL games, and Woll has appeared in just 36. Consequently, the Leafs now have the least experienced goaltending duo in the league.

Stolarz is expected to help ease Woll into the starting role. But if Stolarz outperforms Woll significantly, will the Leafs opt to make him the starter and potentially re-sign him? Or will they stick with their plan for Woll in the long term? Choosing the former could lead to trading Woll, a decision that might haunt the team for years, if not decades.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Toronto Maple Leafs facing goaltending controversy similar to Tuukka Rask

Source: HockeyReference
Tuukka Rask Career Stats

Source: HockeyReference
Andrew Raycroft Career Stats

Source: HockeyReference
Joseph Woll Career Stats