Insider reveals reason for Maple Leafs signing Martin Jones

The Toronto Maple Leafs and goaltender Ilya Samsonov went to salary arbitration, and eventually, a deal was hammered out for the Russian native to return to the Leafs for another season. Meanwhile, gone is veteran Matt Murray, who was controversially placed on LTIR.

The Leafs have gone out and signed veteran Martin Jones, who joins his fourth team in as many years (San Jose, Philadelphia, and Seattle). But why do so when the team already has young Joseph Woll, who stepped up admirably during the 2023 postseason, behind Samsonov?

Simply put, Woll would have to clear waivers to have his spot on the regular Leafs roster ensured. 

TSN analyst Dave Poulin broke it down and  had the following to say:

”Well, it's an insurance policy. I don't know that they've changed it a lot for Joseph Woll, because Joseph Woll waivers now, guys, to be sent down to the Marlies and so I don't think they risk that. If I were a team and Joseph Woll was put on waivers, I would jump on that in a second.”

Jones, while not posting the best goals against average and save percentage of late, can step in if needed.

Is this going to be a move that pays off for the Leafs?

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