The Leafs don’t have to decide what to do with Martin Jones right now, despite what many people think.
Despite Joseph Woll’s recent return from a high ankle sprain, Brad Treliving would be better off taking it slow with the overall crease scenario for the next few minutes.
Since Toronto hasn’t yet turned Woll off LTIR, that might be the next domino to fall in this sequence. On Monday morning, the 25-year-old was brought up from his conditioning assignment in the AHL.
First off, there are only ten days left until the trade deadline. In other words, a lot can happen in the next two weeks or so. The Leafs can also utilise this time to plot a course of action, which most likely entails clearing a path to try to evade waivers once more with Jones.
Yes, they managed to accomplish that questionable feat earlier in the season, but regrettably, this time of year a lot of teams are searching for depth in their goaltender. Unless the Leafs are able to locate a pocket around March 8th to make such a deal, Jones would most likely be claimed. But never undervalue Brandon Pridham.
Of course, there is also the issue of the salary cap. Nevertheless, the Leafs do, in fact, have some money to work with over the coming weeks for a number of different reasons.
Because of this, having three goaltenders on the roster seems likely, at least initially. Even though it isn’t ideal, that course of action makes the most sense as long as the Leafs keep discussing trades before the deadline.
In the big scheme of things, there are obviously very few possible outcomes in this situation. As previously indicated, the Leafs may decide to use a three-goalie lineup, which would lessen Woll’s workload in the closing minutes.
However, given the team’s requirements elsewhere, that alternative probably doesn’t make a lot of sense in the long run.
Furthermore, dealing Jones would be the least likely scenario to come to pass for the Leafs. They will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of doing that, of course.
Aside from that, every team is aware of Toronto’s crowded net, so it’s unlikely that they will wait in line to sign the seasoned goalkeeper when they know they might be able to get him for nothing on waivers at some time.
It will be interesting to watch how the Leafs handle this whole situation, either way you cut it.
The possibility that Matt Murray, who has apparently been making significant progress in his recuperation from off-season hip surgery, may eventually become available to the team, further heightens the suspense.
