Major update on Joseph Woll from the Leafs today

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll has been on a leave of absence from the team for over a month due to personal reasons. He left the team just five days into training camp and only recently returned to the ice for informal skates and practices.

“All I’m gonna say about my time away is that I’m disappointed to have missed time, and I’m very happy to be back. So, I’d really like all the focus to be on my job to do here,” Woll said, addressing reporters at the Leafs’ practice facility this past weekend.

Woll said he did not wish the reason for nor details of his absence to be a distraction for himself or the Leafs.

“All I ask is that you guys respect that,” he said, politely. “If, down the road, I’m interested and think it’d be beneficial to talk about, I’ll initiate that.” 

Today, Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Woll will make a start for the AHL's Toronto Marlies on Wednesday evening and will rejoin the Leafs after that.

The Leafs have been using a platoon of Cayden Primeau, now with the Carolina Hurricanes, and Dennis Hildeby in the backup role with Anthony Stolarz playing in the starting role. Don't be surprised if Woll reclaims his spot as the team's uncontested backup by this upcoming weekend.