Key RFA Remains Unsigned, Creating a Potential Problem for the Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a real strength in between the pipes at all levels of play last year, primarily in the AHL, where they employed Matt Murray, Dennis Hildeby, and Artrur Akhtyamov.

After Murray walked away in free agency and signed a new deal with the Seattle Kraken, the Leafs didn't address the vacancy in goal, outside of handing Dennis Hildeby a qualifying offer.

However, as we reach the midpoint of August, Hildeby and the Leafs have yet to come to terms on a new deal. While it's a benefit to the club that they own his signing rights as an RFA, the Leafs assuredly need the hulking netminder ahead of training camp and the subsequent regular season.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old has enjoyed a very successful start to his professional career in North America. He posted a 21-11-7 record with a .913 SV% and a 2.41 GAA in his rookie season with the Toronto Marlies in 2023-24.

That success and an early injury to Joseph Woll translated into Hildeby making his NHL debut at the start of the 2024-25 season. In 6 games with the Leafs, the 6'7 goaltender went 3-3-0 with a .878 SV%, while also going 16-9-7 with the Marlies with a 2.55 GAA and a .908 SV% to finish out the year.

With Murray out of the picture and the Leafs having yet to dip their toes into the free agent market for goaltending depth, Hildeby would be in line to be the clear cut starting netminder for the Marlies ahead of Akhtyamov.

While both sides should come to terms on a new contract, the netminder could still hold out for a much better deal, which would leave the Leafs short one goaltender. That would then force them into either having to sign someone or entrusting inexperienced options like Vyacheslav Peksa, who primarily played in the ECHL last year.

Akhtyamov is very skilled in his own right and should push Hildeby for starts at some point this season. However, due to the latter's experience and teams always needing good goaltending depth, the Leafs would be wise to hammer out a new deal with Hildeby before training camp begins.