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Major boost inserted into the lineup ahead of Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs Tuesday

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Sam Walker
December 16, 2025 (6:12 PM)

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Big news for the Toronto Maple Leafs as Joseph Woll gets the call to return to the crease against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, breaking a multi-game absence with a lower-body tweak.

This is the exact type of spark Toronto needed as they try to scrape wins together in a stretch where every point matters.

Unfortunately for Chicago, this is terrible timing with their star Connor Bedard confirming the worst regarding his injury just this morning.

Woll hadn't been seen skating with the club until this week, and even then he left practice early on Wednesday, the first sign of him on the ice since getting hurt last week.

That made Tuesday's confirmation feel even more like a lift, especially coming from Head Coach Craig Berube.

Before his injury, Woll was enjoying a strong season in net for Toronto, routinely giving the Leafs a chance to win. His return could stabilize a position that has been opening and closing with Dennis Hildeby in the starter's role.

Hildeby has answered the bell admirably with a .926 save percentage through his recent work, pitching Toronto into a competitive stance despite the injury woes.

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Joseph Woll ready to shoulder Maple Leafs' goaltending in return vs. Blackhawks

Leafs fans have been craving this moment, knowing that having Woll between the pipes instantly alters the team's look. The confidence boost alone resonates in the locker room and up through the lineup.

This isn't just about his physical return, it's about the mental edge he brings. Woll's experience and calm presence give Toronto a more balanced attack and relieve the offence from having to outscore every game.

That's crucial against a hardworking Chicago Blackhawks group that thrives on making goaltenders uncomfortable.

Tuesday's matchup will provide a real gauge of where the Leafs stand as a unit. With Woll back, Toronto hopes to tighten gaps in transition and limit odd-man chances.

Chicago's pace can exploit hesitation, and
Woll's return gives Toronto's defence a clear leader to rally around.

If he can hold serve and keep the Leafs in games early, it could shift the narrative around this mid-season stretch. The team's resilience has been tested, and now with Woll back, Saturday's result might just be the turning point fans hope for.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks healthy scratch defenseman vs. Leafs after altercation breaks out with Jeff Blashill

Connor Bedard opens up on shoulder injury, hopes to return soon for Chicago Blackhawks

Trade completed between the Blackhawks and Lightning involving a star continues to look sour for Chicago

POLL
DECEMBRE 16 \| 44 ANSWERS Major boost inserted into the lineup ahead of Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs Tuesday Do you think Joseph Woll's return will help the Maple Leafs beat the Chicago Blackhawks?
Yes	22	50 %
No	15	34.1 %
Unsure	6	13.6 %
Too early	1	2.3 %
List of polls

Major boost inserted into the lineup ahead of Blackhawks vs. Maple Leafs Tuesday

Big news for the Toronto Maple Leafs as Joseph Woll gets the call to return to the crease against the Chicago Blackhawks Tuesday, breaking a multi-game absence with a lower-body tweak.

Joseph Woll ready to shoulder Maple Leafs' goaltending in return vs. Blackhawks

Do you think Joseph Woll's return will help the Maple Leafs beat the Chicago Blackhawks?