It’s imperative to roster a player who can create a win or two between the pipes. Each season, the playoffs see a strong offensive team come up short due to inadequate goaltending. Solidifying one’s goaltending is the most important factor in not only reaching the Stanley Cup Finals but winning Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Since the 2016-207 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ offense has averaged a 4.6 ranking in goals scored per game. The 2016-2017 season was elite goalscorer Auston Matthews’ rookie season. However, the Maple Leafs’ goaltenders have averaged a 15.8 ranking in goals allowed per game. In five of the nine seasons, Toronto’s goaltending has ranked 20th or worse. One of the NHL’s best offenses since the 2016-207 season, Toronto’s downfall has been goaltending, and this has led to six 1st round exits.
Jan 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) waits for the faceoff against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Toronto must acquire a goaltender to win its first Stanley Cup since the 1966-1967 season. The goaltender who will lead the Maple Leafs to glory is Calgary’s Dustin Wolf. Last season, Wolf became Calgary’s full-time starter, finishing 8th in wins, 8th in save percentage, 15th in goals allowed per game, and 15th in time on ice. This season, Wolf’s goals allowed per game have increased from 2.64 to 2.97, but he’s continued to keep one of the league’s worst offenses in games. This is the perfect young goaltender Toronto must acquire.
The Trade:
Jan 8, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (32) spits out water during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesCalgary Trades: Dustin Wolf (G), 4th Round PickToronto Trades: Matthew Knies (LW), Dennis Hildeby (G)
In acquiring Dustin Wolf, Toronto has one of the better goaltender combinations in Joseph Woll and Wolf. This will undoubtedly improve Toronto’s 22nd–ranked goaltending. After losing in the 2nd round of the 2024-2025 playoffs to the eventual champions, the Florida Panthers, the trade gives the Maple Leafs more depth heading into the postseason and provides insurance as Toronto lost starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz during the first game of the 2nd round.
The Calgary Flames add two young pieces in the deal. In Knies, Calgary adds a much-needed, young forward to one of the worst offensive teams in the league. The former 2nd round (2021) pick finished last season with 29 goals and 29 assists as a 22-year-old. In addition to Knies, Dennis Hildeby, a 2022 4th-round pick, gives the Flames a young replacement goaltender.
Nov 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) takes pucks during the warmup before a game against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Last season, Toronto’s goaltenders ranked 10th in goals allowed per game and save percentage among the 16 playoff teams. The Maple Leafs’ 2nd round exit, in seven games, came at the hands of a Panthers team that featured the playoffs’ best goaltending. However, the injury to goaltender Anthony Stolarz left Toronto putting all the weight on Joseph Woll. With Stolarz between the pipes, Toronto surrendered 2.66 goals per game in the first round.
After Woll replaced Stolarz in game one of the second round, Toronto’s goals against average jumped to 3.28 with Woll as the team’s goaltender. Dustin Wolf would provide Toronto with depth. Joseph Woll has started the most games this season, and Anthony Stolarz has dealt with injuries and hasn’t performed well in 13 starts. This is the trade the Toronto Maple Leafs must make to win their first Stanley Cup in 59 years.
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