Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll injured for opening game
Photo credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
A potential injury to a Toronto Maple Leafs goalie was alluded to by insider Elliotte Friedman, following the team's unexpected roster change.
At last, the Toronto Maple Leafs 2024-25 NHL season is underway this evening! The Leafs will begin their season against the Canadiens in Montreal. Both Auston Matthews and Craig Berube will be entering this game as the Leafs' captain and head coach for the first time. It's reasonable to assume Toronto will exert every effort to win the match on their behalf.
Unfortunately now it's been announced that a key member of the team is suffering from an injury.
Head coach Craig Berube informed reporters that goaltender Joseph Woll will not start in Wednesday's opening game against the Montreal Canadiens due to lower-body tightness.
The news was first hinted by hockey insider Elliotte Friedman.
«Woll experienced some lower-body tightness [on Tuesday]. It's precautionary, so we're gonna keep him out tonight," Berube said.
Woll has had a string of injuries throughout his career. He had a high ankle sprain last year, which kept him out of most of the middle of the season. He also suffered a back injury in Game 7 against the Bruins.
Remember that Woll was not present for the Leafs' final game, which was game seven of the first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins. The goalie had a good summer and is optimistic he can stay healthy, according to general manager Brad Treliving.
"He's had a really good summer. He's really fit. We, you know, looked at some different things in terms of his mechanics and all those types of things and core. But he's always been dialed in with that. So, yeah, he's put in all the work. We're hopeful he can stay healthy. Stuff happens, but he's looked real good."
Berube continued by saying Woll is still eligible to play in Thursday's back-to-back game against the Devils in New Jersey.
On Tuesday, GM Brad Treliving was questioned concerning Woll's condition and ongoing injury struggles.
«Guys can get hurt, that happens,» said Treliving. «We spend lots of time working on it, but sometimes luck runs in the way.»
Anthony Stolarz, the team's most recent acquisition, will start in goal for the Leafs tonight. Goaltender Dennis Hildeby will also be joining the Maple Leafs in Montreal.
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