The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently showing promise, but they lack a vital piece of the puzzle: a real number-one goalkeeper. For those expecting Ilya Samsonov or Joseph Woll to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a Stanley Cup win, it’s time for a reality check. While either goalie may have a hot streak from time to time, depending on them for a championship run is a risky proposition. Consider this: you can get lucky and sink a 20-foot birdie putt, but wouldn’t you rather win with a shorter putt, say 5 or 10 feet? That is the analogy here. Choosing Samsonov or Woll is similar to taking the lengthier putt while getting someone like Jacob Markstrom provides a more consistent likelihood of winning.
Markstrom isn’t the next Patrick Roy, but he has established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper, earning Vezina Trophy consideration. With a $6 million average annual value (AAV) contract for the next two seasons, he offers both short- and long-term advantages. Pairing him alongside Woll puts the goalie pair under $7 million until 2025, which is a cost-effective alternative.
Toronto Maple Leafs must trade for Markstrom.
In 26 playoff games, Markstrom has a respectable.911 saving percentage (SV%) and 2.90 goals against average (GAA). More significantly, his experience and dependability generate trust in the team, which is lacking in Samsonov and Woll.
Samsonov’s disappointing performance in last year’s playoffs, with a 898 SV% and 3.13 GAA cast doubt on his ability to perform when it matters. While Woll has shown promise, banking on a rookie goalkeeper with health issues is a hazardous move, especially in a high-pressure playoff scenario.
When evaluating goaltenders, it is critical to include factors other than wins. While Samsonov has six consecutive victories, his performance has not always reached expectations. The Leafs’ superior offensive powers have frequently compensated for goalie deficiencies, but this method will not enough in the playoffs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the assets to make a trade for Markstrom, including top prospects and future first-round picks. Giving up two first-round picks for three playoff runs with Markstrom is a reasonable investment, given the team’s potential as a top Stanley Cup contender with strong goaltending.
While it is fair to want to reinforce the defence with guys like Chris Tanev, given the team’s offensive firepower, goaltending is the first priority. It is time for General Manager Brad Treliving to take immediate action and acquire Markstrom from the Calgary Flames before another team does.
