Why The Maple Leafs Called Up Goaltender Matt Murray From The Marlies And Sent Down Dennis Hildeby

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a backup goaltender swap.

The club announced on Thursday that they sent rookie goaltender Dennis Hildeby to the Toronto Marlies while simultaneously calling up veteran goaltender Matt Murray.

Hildeby made his sixth NHL start on Wednesday but struggled against the Columbus Blue Jackets, allowing four goals on 18 shots in a 5-1 loss.

"A little disappointing, frustrating. I think I obviously could have done a little better, so that's pretty much it," Hildeby said of his performance after the game.

With Anthony Stolarz out of the lineup following a knee procedure last month, the Leafs have switched backup goaltenders to Joseph Woll between Hildeby and Murray. The latter returned to the NHL last month, his first action in the big leagues since undergoing bilateral hip surgery in 2023.

When Murray returned, he picked up a 6-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 20. But he struggled in his second start of the season, allowing four goals on 31 shots in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Dec. 28.  Murray was sent down in favor of Hildeby shortly after.

Related: 'To Mentally Clock In Every Single Day For That Long, It's Unbelievable': Maple Leafs React To Matt Murray's Win Over Sabres In Return From Injury

Meanwhile, as Hildeby served as a backup to Woll, Murray has performed well with the Toronto Marlies. He picked up back-to-back shutouts in two of his last four games while posting a save percentage of .970. Based on Murray's resurgence and Hildeby's recent struggles, it makes sense for the rookie goaltender to be returned where he can get some games.

"Well, it is a challenge. And, listen, he's developing up here, too, and getting the practice time, getting NHL shooters, getting to work with our goalie coach," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Hildeby's performance. "But I get what you're saying. Probably an ideal situation where he's playing more games down in the minors.'

Related: Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Explains Why Anthony Stolarz Will Miss Roughly 4-6 Weeks For A Procedure On His Knee

With Stolarz out for the last five weeks following a procedure to remove a loose body in his knee. The Leafs have been forced to ride Joseph Woll. He rested on Wednesday after starting in four consecutive games over seven days.

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