Limited Goalie Options for Toronto Maple Leafs After Linus Ullmark Trade
The recent trade of Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators highlights the shrinking goalie market for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With fewer options available, the Maple Leafs may need to consider more affordable backup choices to support newly extended Joseph Woll.
The Leafs’ need for a goalie remains unfulfilled, as Linus Ullmark is no longer an option.
This Ullmark trade is the second significant goalie transaction this week, further limiting the Maple Leafs’ choices.
Just before Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Ottawa Senators acquired Linus Ullmark. According to Sportsnet, the Senators traded Joonas Korpisalo, center Mark Kastelic, and the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft in exchange.
The trade was surprising due to the lower-than-expected return for Ullmark, reminiscent of the Calgary Flames’ underwhelming trade for Jacob Markstrom.
Limited Goalie Market for Toronto Maple Leafs
The Ullmark trade underscores the dwindling options for the Maple Leafs in the goalie market. With Ullmark, Markstrom, and Darcy Kuemper all traded recently, there are few starting goalies left for Toronto to pursue.
Unless the Leafs can orchestrate a significant trade for someone like Juuse Saros, they may have to explore free agency, where only solid backup goalies seem available.
GM Brad Treliving might have a plan, but it’s unclear. One positive takeaway from the Ullmark trade is that acquiring a strong starting goalie might not be as costly as expected. The Leafs could potentially secure a top goalie without sacrificing too much.
Joseph Woll’s Extension Looks Prudent in Retrospect
The recent three-year contract extension for Joseph Woll initially seemed like the Leafs’ commitment to him as a future starter. In hindsight, it appears to be a strategic move, knowing they would miss out on another goalie. By securing Woll, the Leafs ensure they have at least one reliable goalie on the roster.
It seems likely that the Leafs plan to start Woll, though his ability to stay healthy remains a major question. If Woll can maintain his health, Toronto might have addressed their goaltending needs internally. If not, they may face another scramble like this season when both Ilya Samsonov and Woll were injured simultaneously.
Ultimately, the Ullmark trade signals that the Leafs are running out of time to resolve their goalie situation. Signing Woll was a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen if Treliving can rest easy knowing Toronto’s competitive window hinges on Woll’s performance and health.
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