Don't look now, but the Leafs appear to have another legit goalie prospect blooming
The Toronto Maple Leafs have not exactly churned out NHL-caliber goalies over the past couple of decades, which has certainly been a concern. Meanwhile, other teams have not had the same issue with NHL-caliber goalies who have been drafted and developed in-house, provoking our envy. Jeremy Swayman in Boston is one example. Igor Shesterkin in New York is another. The Nashville Predators have enjoyed tremendous luck in this department, going from Pekka Rinne to Juuse Saros and, eventually, to Yaroslav Askarov.
The Leafs appear to be turning a corner in this department, not only having drafted and developed Joseph Woll, but they've also got Artur Akhtyamov playing very well in the KHL this season, sporting a 2.34 GAA and a .922 SV%. Now, we can add another name to the list, as Dennis Hildeby is emerging with the Marlies as another legit goaltending prospect.
Hildeby, drafted in the 4th round in 2022, is absolutely monstrous. Standing 6'7, 222 lbs., the Swedish netminder just put up his first shutout in North America in just his 3rd game with the Marlies. Just look at the size of this kid!
Hildeby has racked up a 1-1-1 record so far for the Marlies, but has been excellent in the process. He currently sports a 1.68 GAA and a .935 SV%. He has been far and away outperforming both Martin Jones and Keith Petruzzelli with the Marlies early on. Neither Jones, nor Petruzzelli is currently over .900 in the save percentage department.
It's still early, yes. However, Hildeby has played at the professional level in Sweden and enjoyed tremendous success there, posting a .918 SV% in 21 games with Farjestads BK Karlstad last season and a .930 SV% in 7 games the year prior.
Folks, the Leafs appear to have actually turned a corner in the goalie development department and that's exciting!
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 6 | 329 ANSWERS Don't look now, but the Leafs appear to have another legit goalie prospect blooming Of the Leafs' young goaltenders, who do you think becomes an NHL goalie first? | ||
| Vyacheslav Peksa | 54 | 16.4 % |
| Dennis Hildeby | 151 | 45.9 % |
| Artur Akhtyamov | 81 | 24.6 % |
| Other | 43 | 13.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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