With a 4-4-1 record, the Toronto Maple Leafs are currently positioned close to the bottom of the Atlantic Division. The team hasn't been playing to its potential, but is goaltending to blame? Ilya Samsonov has been outstanding so far this season, but can Erik Kallgren hold things down until Matt Murray is back to full strength? Will Murray be able to deliver when ready?
For one, goaltending is a mystery, you never know if an injured goaltender will come back stronger or regress. Should the Maple Leafs search for depth goalies? Certainly! Let's face it, Erik Kallgren is not up to NHL standards, and it is unclear when and even if Murray will play well upon his return. A team can never have enough depth at the goaltending position!
Erik Kallgren
Erik Kallgren's struggles this season in the AHL and NHL are quite apparent. The 26-year-old goaltender made one start for the Toronto Marlies to begin the season. With only 28 minutes of action before being removed due to a minor injury, Kallgren finished the game with a .889 save percentage and a 4.35 goals-against average.
The injury to Matt Murray prompted the call-up of the native of Finland. Kallgren has played for the Maple Leafs in two games so far, but he has yet to record a start with a save percentage of .900 or higher. The Arizona draft pick has a 0-1-1 record, a 3.50 GAA, and a .857 save percentage, and has yet to win a game.
Ilya Samsonov
There is no doubt in mind that Ilya Samsonov will be the starting goaltender once Matt Murray returns. Samsonov has been fantastic this season, and has proved to be one of the best free agent acquisitions of the past offseason.
The previous first-round pick chose to join the Maple Leafs. The Russian was reportedly offered superior contracts by teams throughout the league, but Samsonov declined to sign with Toronto. Samsonov is currently sporting his best numbers since his rookie season in 19-20, a .920 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average.
Why add goaltending depth with a splurging goaltender? Samsonov is still considered young, the 25-year-old has only played in a total of 95 NHL games. It is worthy to note that the most games Samsonov has played in a season is 47. In other notes, what if he gets injured?
Goaltenders in the AHL
After Erik Kallgren's call-up, the Leafs' AHL depth is quite limited. Despite leading the North Division with a 5-2-0 record, the Marlies are two points in front of the next-closest team.
For the Marlies, Keith Petruzzelli has been the primary starter. The former Detroit Red Wings third-round pick currently has a 1.97 GAA and a .925 save percentage for the year. It is important to remember that Petruzzelli only has nine games of professional experience and is under an AHL contract.
Dylan Ferguson, who signed an AHL contract with the Leafs this offseason, is currently the backup for the Marlies. The Marlies also have Joseph Woll in their system, but the native of Missouri has yet to participate in a game this season due to a persistent injury.
To Conclude...
In the National Hockey League, goaltender depth is a constant touchy subject. The Leafs should unquestionably search the market for a capable backup goaltender who can step in during emergencies and other situations.
The Leafs currently have 50 players with NHL contracts signed, so if they made a trade, they would also have to send a player with an NHL contract elsewhere. The Leafs' selections in the upcoming draft are also minimal; they currently hold their first-round pick, two third-round picks, and fifth and sixth-round picks.