Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman released his latest 32 Thoughts article on Thursday, and made a very interesting point related to Toronto Maple Leafs’ trade talks. Friedman pointed out the fact Leafs’ GM Brad Treliving turned down trade offers asking for goaltending prospect Dennis Hildeby last season.
“Written before about how Toronto swatted away all requests for goalie Dennis Hildeby last season,” stated Friedman. “North American newcomer Artur Akhtyamov’s allowed 12 goals in his first six AHL games. They’re going to be asked about their plans at this position.”
The Maple Leafs are going to be asked about their ‘plans at the position’ Friedman wrote. And, rightfully so, as Akhtyamov entered Friday’s action with a 5-0-1 record, along with a 1.95 goals against average (GAA), and .926 save percentage (Sv.%). Meanwhile, Hildeby is 2-0-2 with the Toronto Marlies, posting a 2.40 GAA and .910 save percentage
Treliving should have an open mind when it comes to leveraging his goaltending depth to add an impact player(s) before the March 7 trade deadline. Why so? Because their NHL goalie tandem is set, they don’t need two top prospects waiting in the wings and ‘stuck’ in the AHL, and both Hildeby and Akhtyamov hold enough trade value to fetch a significant piece in return. The Maple Leafs are thin at forward, they don’t have enough centre depth, and they need to figure out a way for their bottom-six forwards to create an identity as a group.
There’s also the fact that Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz aren’t going anywhere, any time soon. Woll is signed through the 2027-28 season at a very reasonable $3.6 million AAV. After battling a lower-body injury at the end of training camp, Woll’s found his form, is coming off a shutout against the Vegas Golden Knights, and hasn’t let the fact Stolarz came in and stole the number-one job from his effect his mojo with the Maple Leafs. Woll’s a great teammate, he’s beloved in the dressing room, and he has a fantastic attitude when it comes to being a part of a goaltending tandem in Toronto. Oh yeah, he’s also playing lights out. The 26-year-old Woll has posted a 4-2-0 record, along with a 2.00 GAA and .922 save percentage
Stolarz on the other hand, he’s been everything as advertised, and more. The 30-year-old netminder has fit in seamlessly with the Maple Leafs and has quickly become one of the best goaltenders in the league. The late bloomer has registered a 7-3-2 record, with a 2.18 GAA and .927 save percentage in his first 12 appearances in blue and white. With Stolarz signed through the 2025-26 season at just $2.5 million AAV, and the potential he’ll sign a multi-year extension as soon as next July when he’s eligible, barring any unfortunate injuries, Hildeby and Akhtyamov are going to be ‘stuck’ in the minors and down the Maple Leafs’ depth chart.
Both prospects are 23 years old, they’ve shown quickly that their games translate to North American professional hockey, and they both are turning heads around NHL executive offices. The Maple Leafs have something here. Their goaltending situation is in great hands with Stolarz and Woll and frankly, it’s the first time that can be said in a very long time in Toronto. Treliving’s built himself a strong NHL tandem and one that is essentially set in stone for the foreseeable future.
The Maple Leafs’ GM should 100% be offering one of Hildeby or Akhtyamov in trade talks, to try and find some help up front. Keep an eye on the Leafs before the March 7 trade deadline. It sounds like there’s some serious potential Treliving pulls the trigger on a significant trade to make another push at a long playoff run, and if he wants to land a forward or forwards who are going to move the needle for the team, Hildeby or Akhtyamov could and should be involved.
