Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll is on a leave of absence to address a personal matter. The team announced this decision on Tuesday, stating that the 27-year-old will be away from the squad indefinitely.

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving emphasized the team's support for Woll during this time. “There is no timeline for Woll’s return,” he said. “We obviously support him 100% and I would just ask that everybody respect his privacy. We’re not going to get into a whole lot of detail on it.” Treliving clarified that the situation is not related to substance abuse but is a personal family matter.

Treliving expressed hope that Woll would return soon, stating, “Certainly our expectation is that Joe is going to be back with us and we will see when that is. All our worry is just supporting and looking forward to getting him back.” However, he could not confirm whether Woll would be back in time for the regular season opener on October 8 against the Montreal Canadiens.

In Woll's absence, Anthony Stolarz is expected to take on the starting role. Treliving noted that Stolarz needs to continue his preparation as if Woll were still with the team. Earlier in September, the Leafs signed Dennis Hildeby to a three-year contract, and Treliving expressed confidence in Hildeby as a temporary backup.

Treliving did not pursue a veteran goalie for additional insurance and stated that he is not currently looking to the market for one. “You’re always looking at your team,” he said. “We just have to wait and see right now. We’re comfortable with the goalies we have. Our expectation is Joe is going to be back with us, but we’ll see.”

Additionally, Treliving mentioned that forward Max Domi is attending his grandfather's funeral and will not participate in practice on Tuesday. Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov were on the ice for the morning skate ahead of the Leafs' pre-season game against the Ottawa Senators later that evening at Scotiabank Arena.