Leafs GM Brad Treliving sheds some light on Joseph Woll's leave of absence

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has announced this morning that goaltender Joseph Woll is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team to attend to personal matters.

We can only speculate on the reasons why, which would be unfair to Woll and his family. Wishing all the best and for health and happiness for the entire Woll family.

"It’s a private matter at this point, and Joe and us intend to keep it that way for him," Treliving said. "It’s not a substance abuse issue. It’s a personal family matter that Joe is going to deal with."

The 27 year old netminder is expected to split starts in the Leafs' crease this season with Anthony Stolarz, following a stellar campaign in 2024-25. He managed 27 wins in 42 starts and posted a .909 save percentage along the way. He's in year one of a three year contract that pays him $3.6 million annually per season.

In the interim, third stringer Dennis Hildeby will back up Stolarz until Woll returns to action.

"I don't know too much about it. I just know we love Joe, and we’re here to support him and hope he gets back as soon as possible," said Hildeby, who signed a three-year, $2.53-million extension before camp.

“It means they’re showing confidence in me, which helps. Now it's up to me to earn that trust every day. Just keep going, working hard.”

Treliving wouldn't commit to a timeline for Woll's return and did admit that he could miss the opening of the regular season. Stay tuned, Leafs fans.