Goalie Joseph Woll is reportedly back with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a contract extension, which is fantastic news for both sides.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Woll are reportedly nearing a three-year contract extension worth between $3.5 and $4 million AAV, according to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes.
Even though Woll’s health has been an issue for him throughout his brief career, if he can perform at his peak, that might turn out to be a great deal.
Woll, who will only make $766K next season, was supposed to become an RFA at the end of this year and be granted arbitration rights. The Leafs are taking a low-risk approach by re-signing Woll, obtaining him still on a cheap contract, rather than waiting out the season and possibly fighting through negotiations next summer.
There is no right or wrong response when it comes to the NHL’s best goalies and eventually taking home a Stanley Cup. The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers both advanced to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, with the Panthers fielding a $10 million goalie and the Oilers a $2.8 million netminder. It doesn’t really matter how much a goalie costs as long as he can save you from elimination, and once the playoffs begin, all you really need is a player who can save you from elimination.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Are Choosing Wisely Signing Joseph Woll Again
Because of Woll’s injuries last year, which occurred at a disastrous time, I can understand why some people are upset about this signing. Ilya Samsonov was replaced by Woll, who took over the position and performed brilliantly while Samsonov struggled mightily and then unexpectedly got hurt on an odd play. Subsequently, following his role in helping the Leafs overcome a 3-1 series deficit, he was hurt on the final play of Game 6 and was unable to return for Game 7.
Woll wasn’t able to play when the team needed him, but this team still needs to give him an opportunity. For Toronto, those injuries may have been a blessing in disguise because Woll might have asked for a much larger contract had he been healthy the entire time. Rather, they’re paying less and acquiring him for a shorter period of time, which will benefit the team as a whole.
Ultimately, even if Woll performs poorly, this team will not suffer from a $4 million contract. In relation to the Oilers, they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals despite having Jack Campbell signed a long-term contract at $5 million AAV. They can just put Woll’s contract on LTIR and move on if it’s that bad and he never gets healthy again.
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