Following the placement of struggling netminder Ilya Samsonov on waivers on Sunday, the Leafs have now officially announced the call-up of rookie goaltender Dennis Hildeby, as revealed by the team's public relations department.
The decision to bring up Hildeby is somewhat unexpected, considering previous reports suggested the Leafs were hesitant to rush him to the National Hockey League. However, the Samsonov situation appears to have compelled the Leafs to take this course of action.
Hildeby, a 4th-round pick (122nd overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has showcased solid performance this season with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League. With a 2.20 goals against average and a .919 save percentage over 15 appearances, Hildeby has proven his capabilities.
While the extent of Hildeby's NHL exposure remains uncertain, the current goalie landscape for the Maple Leafs, with Martin Jones as the sole option, suggests that Hildeby may receive opportunities to demonstrate his skills on the big stage. The evolving goaltending dynamics add intrigue to the Maple Leafs' netminding situation, leaving fans curious about the unfolding scenario.
