Just one day after making a move impacting their goalie rotation, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to undo it on Sunday morning.
Following their 4-3 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres, the Leafs announced Dennis Hildeby is heading back to the AHL.
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The move, however, was expected after Anthony Stolarz received the night off amid a heavy early-season workload, with the 24-year-old Hildeby dressing as backup to Cayden Primeau on Saturday during the Leafs’ victory in the second game of a back-to-back matchup against Buffalo.
For starters, Toronto utilized a rarely used collective bargaining agreement exception to make the emergency recall on Saturday afternoon. The exception permits a 24th player to be added for no more than 48 hours. According to Pro Hockey Rumors, that exception is limited to two uses per season.
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Hildeby did not play in Saturday’s game and returns to the Marlies, where he has split time with Vyacheslav Peksa this season.
Hildeby has appeared in two AHL games so far this season, allowing just two goals on 53 shots. He played six NHL games last year, posting a 3-3-0 record with a .872 save percentage and a 3.33 goals-against average.
Toronto signed Hildeby to a three-year, $2.53 million extension in September.
Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll (60) warms up.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The reassignment comes shortly after the news that Joseph Woll has officially entered the return-to-play process following a monthlong personal leave.
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The Leafs retroactively placed Woll on long-term injured reserve, making Nov. 1 the earliest date he could rejoin the lineup, pending medical clearance.
Woll has not played this season but was the Maple Leafs’ most effective goaltender in 2024–25. In 41 starts last year, he posted a 27-14-1 record with a .909 save percentage and 16.8 goals saved above expected — ranking 11th in the NHL.
Toronto returns to action on Tuesday when it hosts the Calgary Flames, with puck drop set for 6 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.