Maple Leafs Goalie Takes 'Indefinite Leave of Absence'

Anthony Stolarz replaces Joseph Woll as Toronto Maple Leafs goalie

As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to work hard to try to get netminder Anthony Stolarz signed to an extension that works for both sides, he does still have a year left on his contract and is at camp with the team. Unfortunately, the other half of the Leafs' goaltending duo, Joseph Woll, has taken an indefinite leave of absence.

Brad Treliving says Joseph Woll is stepping away from the team to deal with a personal family matter. No timeline for when he will return.
— David Alter (@dalter) September 23, 2025

Woll is stepping away from the team to deal with "a personal family matter," says GM Brad Treliving. Of course, the team will give him all the time he needs, but for now, there is no timeline for when he might return. But, "our expectation is that Joe is going to be back with us."

No details were provided but Treliving made a point to say it is not a substance-abuse related matter. The release from the team below. pic.twitter.com/a2qhAtea8l
— David Alter (@dalter) September 23, 2025

The GM made it clear that this is not a substance-abuse-related matter in any way, but rather, as stated, a private family matter. The Leafs' official statement adds that "no additional details will be provided at this time, and we ask that his privacy be respected."

If Woll has to miss the start of the season, Stolarz will have the net all to himself, with his .926 save percentage from last season. But he has never started more than 33 games a year in his eight NHL seasons (which was last year), and he has battled injury troubles. A knee injury kept the 31-year-old out for close to two months last season, then a concussion-related issue knocked him out of the playoffs after Game 1 of the second round.

In the meantime, the untested Dennis Hildeby would be Stolarz's backup, as the roster is currently constructed, should Woll not be back in time for opening night. Hildeby has three career NHL starts, all last season.

Woll, 27, posted a 27-14-1 record in 2024-25, with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. He was 3-4 in the playoffs with a 3.56 GAA and an .886 save percentage.