Joseph Woll returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs after stepping away for a personal matter.
Woll left the team during training camp and returned to the ice a few weeks ago. He’s set to go down to the AHL on a conditioning stint for a couple of games before returning to the NHL.
Ahead of his return to action, Woll spoke to the media. He thanked the Maple Leafs organization for everything they did during his time away from the team.
“I was going to say a few things before we get started,” Woll said on Friday. “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 as I’ve expressed that to them, just for all the support. And lastly, I want to thank you guys. I know I asked for privacy and you guys (Maple Leafs media) have granted me that. So I really appreciate that as well. … I think there’s enough to focus on here. 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 will be part of the Maple Leafs tandem with Anthony Stolarz in the net. He was 27-14-1 with a 2.73 GAA and a .909 SV% last season.
Woll is ‘Very Happy’ to be Back With Maple Leafs
Although Woll was away from the team, he said he did skate while he was out, but the focus is on getting back in game shape.
The Maple Leafs goalie feels like he’s getting close. But he’s just glad he’s back with the team and has the opportunity to play for the Maple Leafs.
“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,” Woll said. “So, I’d really like all the focus to be on my job here, and I don’t want to create distractions for myself or the team.”
When Woll will make his first start of the season is to be seen. But before that happens, he will play for the Toronto Marlies in the AHL to show he’s ready to return.
Maple Leafs Coach Believes Woll is in a ‘Good Spot’
Although there is no timeline for Woll’s return to the Maple Leafs, head coach Craig Berube is pleased with how he’s looked.
Woll has gotten into some practices, and the head coach believes the goalie is getting close to playing again.
“It’s getting close. I don’t want to give you a timeline and then it’s changed. But I can just say this: he’s in a real good spot,” Berube said on Wednesday about Woll.
While Woll has been away, Stolarz has gotten the bulk of the starts. Cayden Primeau, meanwhile, took over the backup role.
Woll is in the first year of a three-year, $11 million deal with the Maple Leafs.
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