The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to name a new management regime on Monday, and with John Chayka and Mats Sundin leading the charge, don't be surprised to see them use the team's goaltending depth to make a trade, and help reallocate some resources on the Leafs' roster.
Joseph Woll has the most trade value out of any of the four goalies Toronto has on their roster. He's five years younger than Anthony Stolarz, has two years left on his contract at just $3.6 million AAV, and his limited no-trade clause doesn't kick in until before his final season, July 1, 2027.
Woll is the best trade asset the Leafs have outside of Easton Cowan, and Cowan isn't going anywhere. Woll's battled injuries and inconsistency throughout the last few years, but overall, he's become a top-20 goaltender in the league. The Maple Leafs need two puck-moving defencemen, they need a right winger for Auston Matthews, and they need to address their entire third line.
Sundin and Chayka have a lot of work to do, and it's going to be interesting to see if Woll gets involved in trade talks this summer. If he's dealt, here's a few destinations to keep on your radar:
St. Louis Blues
The Blues are trying to move Jordan Binnington and could see Joel Hofer and Woll at $3.6 million AAV a perfect tandem. Woll's from the St. Louis area, he has a huge reunion every time the Leafs visit the Blues, so it's likely if you asked him his second favorite place to play in the league, St. Louis is on top. Pius Suter heading back to Toronto in the deal?
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are going to see what they can get for Filip Gustavsson this offseason, and there's potential for a blockbuster move from these two teams. Nick Robertson has been linked to the Wild before, as they like his tenacity on the wing, and plays much bigger than his 5-foot-9 frame. He can also shoot it with the best of them, so perhaps Woll and Robertson head to Minny in a two-for-one?
Edmonton Oilers
Then Oilers are going to do whatever they can to upgrade in net, as Connor Ingram is a free agent, meanwhile, Tristan Jarry still has a couple of years left on his deal. Stan Bowman admitted he needs new players and a retool is coming, so perhaps these two teams can link up for a rare deal. Woll would give the Oilers a true number-one goaltender, and meanwhile, would the Leafs have interest in Trent Frederic, a draft pick and a top prospect?
Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images
