With Cayden Primeau placed on waivers and Joseph Woll assigned to the Toronto Marlies for a conditioning stint, Dennis Hildeby’s season debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs appears imminent.
Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Hildeby will serve as backup to Anthony Stolarz, who is making his 12th start of the season when the Leafs host the Boston Bruins.
Since Woll is temporarily with the Marlies, leaving Hildeby in the minors no longer makes sense. After evaluating Primeau in three starts, the Leafs decided to place him on waivers.
The 26-year-old Cayden Primeau posted a record of 2–1–0 with a .838 save percentage in three appearances for the Maple Leafs.
The 24-year-old goaltender has recorded a 2–2–1 record and an .890 save percentage with the Marlies this season. During the preseason with the Leafs, he achieved a .920 save percentage across three games.
Although not officially confirmed, indications suggest Hildeby is likely to get his first start when the Maple Leafs face the Carolina Hurricanes on November 10. Due to the back-to-back games, it would be unexpected for Stolarz to start on consecutive nights.
“All signs point to Hildeby likely getting the nod when the Leafs host the Carolina Hurricanes.”
Hildeby is expected to make his Maple Leafs regular-season debut soon as Stolarz’s backup against the Bruins and a likely starter versus the Hurricanes.