Joseph Woll's untimely injury sparks comments from Maple Leafs teammates

The concern ramps higher knowing Anthony Stolarz has not skated since November 11 and has made no meaningful progress. With Woll now sidelined, Toronto suddenly stares at a depth chart stretched to its limit, especially after news that Stolarz's injury is worse than initially thought.

Matthew Knies, one of Woll's closest friends on the roster, summed up the mood. He said it sucks to see Woll go down. His frustration spoke for the group.

Auston Matthews echoed the sentiment. The captain emphasized the team is hoping it is nothing too serious.

Woll's calm presence had helped stabilize a fragile Leafs season. His rise this year was timely, especially after the club admittedly overworked Stolarz early while Woll was away for personal reasons. The injury now reopens the question of how Toronto manages both workload and expectation moving forward.

Inside the group, Woll is valued not just for saves but for the sense of structure he brings. Players speak about how his positioning makes their reads easier and how his poise settles chaotic moments. Losing that, even temporarily, forces every skater to tighten details.

The emotional response from teammates reflects how quickly Woll has earned trust at the NHL level. He blends humility with elite competitiveness, and teammates wanted him protected as he battled through a heavy schedule.

Toronto cannot afford to slip in the crowded Eastern Conference, where small streaks decide entire months. Woll's injury pushes pressure onto the remaining goaltenders and the defensive group, but the team's reaction showed something else too: belief in their guy and hope the setback is short lived.