The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting closer to having Joseph Woll return to the team, as the goaltender will be loaned to their minor-league affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, for a conditioning stint.
Berube says Woll is going to Marlies to get some games in. Woll will be speaking shortly.
— Lance Hornby 🇺🇦🇨🇦 (@sunhornby) November 7, 2025
Woll has been away from the Leafs since the start of training camp on a leave of absence. The reason for his leave is still not known, and at this point in time, Woll does not wish to disclose it.
Woll also spoke with the media on Friday following the announcement that he would be going to the AHL for a conditioning stint.
“I have a few thank yous I want to make sure I say, namely to the Leafs organization and starting with Brad [Treliving] and working all the way down for all the support they’ve given me and my family for the last bit.
“I’ve really been blown away at how much support I’ve received and with that, a big thank you to my teammates as well and l’ve expressed that to them, just for all the support they’ve given. And lastly, I want to thank you guys. I know I asked for privacy and you guys have granted me that, so I really appreciate that as well.
“As we move forward now, I’ve kind of decided that all I’m going to say about my time away is that I’m disappointed to have missed time and I’m very happy to be back. So l’d really like all the focus to be on my job to do here and I don’t want to create any distractions for myself or for the team.
“I think there’s enough here to focus on. All I ask is that you guys respect that and if down the road I am interested and think it’d be beneficial to talk about, I’ll initiate that.”
Woll’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Leafs have struggled in net so far with the second-worst 5v5 save percentage this season. His usual tandem mate Anthony Stolarz has been inconsistent with a starting goalie’s load, while waiver acquisition Cayden Primeau has not proven to be a capable backup during Woll’s absence.
The Marlies are currently in the middle of an eight-game road trip, so Woll will join them at some point, although when he plays his games and how long his stint will be is unknown.
Woll had a 27-14-1 record, a .909 save percentage, +13.82 5v5 goals saved above expected and one shutout in 42 games last season.