Key Takeaways:
- Joseph Woll is set to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup, providing a boost to the team’s goaltending.
- Auston Matthews is struggling with his production, but is not injured, and the team is looking to add a top-six forward to help him.
- Injuries are piling up for Team Canada Olympic hopefuls, including Connor Bedard, Brandon Hagel, and Darcy Kuemper.
- The New Jersey Devils are looking for a Plan B after missing out on the Quinn Hughes trade, and are seeking to add a centreman and a defenceman.
- The NHL trade freeze is set to kick in later this week, and teams are preparing for a busy period of activity.
Introduction to the Current State of the NHL
The NHL season is in full swing, and teams are starting to feel the effects of injuries and inconsistent play. The Toronto Maple Leafs, in particular, have been struggling, having lost three of their past four games. However, help may be on the way in the form of Joseph Woll, who is set to return to the lineup after a brief injury. Woll’s return is a welcome boost to the team’s goaltending, which has been a concern in recent weeks.
The Return of Joseph Woll
According to Darren Dreger, Woll’s injury was not as severe as initially thought, and he is expected to be back in the net soon. This is a significant development for the Maple Leafs, who have been struggling to find consistency in their goaltending. With Woll back in the lineup, the team may be able to regain some of the confidence they had earlier in the season. Additionally, the team is still waiting for an update on Anthony Stolarz’s injury, which is not believed to be concussion-related.
Auston Matthews’ Struggles
Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs’ star centre, is having a disappointing season, with only 56 points on pace. This is a significant drop-off from his usual production, and there are concerns that he may be hurt or struggling with his game. However, according to Dreger, Matthews is not injured, and the team is looking to add a top-six forward to help him. The team has tried different line combinations, but so far, nothing has seemed to work. General manager Brad Treliving is under pressure to make a move to help his team, but it’s unclear what options are available.
Injuries Piling Up for Team Canada
Injuries are starting to pile up for Team Canada’s Olympic hopefuls, with Connor Bedard, Brandon Hagel, and Darcy Kuemper all dealing with injuries. Bedard’s injury is not as severe as initially thought, and he is expected to be back in the mix for the Blackhawks in early January. However, the injuries to Hagel and Kuemper are more concerning, and it’s unclear how they will affect Team Canada’s roster for the Olympics. The team is expected to announce its final roster on December 31, but the injuries may force them to make some tough decisions.
The Fallout from the Quinn Hughes Trade
The Quinn Hughes trade to the Minnesota Wild has sent shockwaves through the NHL, with several teams looking for a Plan B. The New Jersey Devils, in particular, were interested in Hughes and are now looking to add a centreman and a defenceman. The team is expected to get Brett Pesce back in the lineup soon, which will help their blue line, but they still need to address their needs. General manager Tom Fitzgerald is looking to build around what the team already has, and is exploring options to add a centreman and a defenceman.
The Upcoming Trade Freeze
The NHL trade freeze is set to kick in later this week, and teams are preparing for a busy period of activity. The Maple Leafs, in particular, are looking to make a move to help their team, but it’s unclear what options are available. The Devils are also looking to make a move, and may be willing to trade some of their young players to get the pieces they need. With the trade freeze looming, teams are running out of time to make a move, and it’s likely to be a busy few days in the NHL.
