Joseph Woll is a testament to the Maple Leafs’ ability to draft and nurture a goaltender, contrary to my previous belief.

Over the years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been subject to a fair amount of criticism when it comes to their ability to develop goaltenders. But one recent prospect is challenging that notion. Joseph Woll, a third-round pick in the 2016 NHL draft, is quickly making a name for himself as a top-tier goalie in the organization. In fact, the success he’s had so far is proof that the Maple Leafs can indeed draft and develop a quality netminder. In this article, we’ll dive into Woll’s journey and examine the ways in which he’s breaking the mold for Leafs goalies.


After struggling to fulfill his potential in his first three largely disappointing professional seasons, Joseph Woll, the most highly-touted goaltender in the Leafs prospect pool, has finally found his form for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL. Woll’s newfound success appears to be the result of a change in his mindset, with the 24-year-old learning to focus on his seeing the game and letting his body follow, instead of trying to think his way through the game. His lateral movement between posts has excelled, and he is no longer overthinking situations, allowing him to read shooters more effectively. Woll’s success is starting to prove that the Leafs’ approach to drafting and developing goaltenders has merit, as it is more advantageous than rolling the dice on a goaltender with a high draft pick and missing out on a skater who can impact the team sooner, with the Leafs choosing to draft goalies in the middle rounds, allowing them enough time to develop and surrounding them with a support staff who can bring a multitude of approaches. Despite his recent success, it is still possible that Woll’s game falters, or for some reason, consistent NHL opportunities don’t come. However, considering his improvements this season, it is starting to feel more likely that Woll has likely proved doubters wrong on two counts.


In conclusion, it’s easy to jump to conclusions about a team’s ability to draft and develop certain positions. But the case of Joseph Woll is proof that the Maple Leafs have the potential to uncover and groom talented goalies. While it may take some time to see these players come to fruition, it’s important to trust in the process and not write them off too quickly. As we look towards the future of the Maple Leafs organization, it’s exciting to think about the pool of goaltending talent that could be waiting in the wings. And who knows, we may be proven wrong again in the best possible way.