Did John Chayka Really Improve the Maple Leafs' Goaltending?
First impression: The biggest name doesn't always mean the biggest upgrade.
When John Chayka took over as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he wasted little time reshaping the organization. No position changed more dramatically than goaltending. Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby are gone. In their place are future Hall of Famer Sergei Bobrovsky and Slovakian netminder Samuel Hlavaj. Anthony Stolarz returns after an injury-shortened season, while Calder Cup MVP Artur Akhtyamov continues to move closer to becoming an NHL regular.
On paper, adding a two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Vezina Trophy winner sounds like an obvious upgrade. My first impression isn't quite so simple.
Related: The Maple Leafs' New Strength Isn't Their Stars.
Bobrovsky's résumé isn't the question.
If this were Sergei Bobrovsky from three years ago, there would be little debate. His accomplishments speak for themselves. The concern is that the Maple Leafs didn't acquire that version of Bobrovsky.
At 38 years old, he is coming off arguably the weakest statistical season of his career. His save percentage, goals-against average, and Goals Saved Above Expected all ranked near the bottom among NHL starters. Joseph Woll wasn't spectacular either, but his numbers were better in several key areas despite playing behind a Toronto team that finished behind Florida in the standings.
That's why I can't automatically call this an upgrade.
Health changes the Bobrovsky discussion.
Where Bobrovsky clearly has the advantage is durability. Woll has shown flashes of becoming an excellent NHL starter, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his development. Bobrovsky, despite being 10 years older, has been far more dependable in staying in the lineup.
Availability matters. If Bobrovsky starts 55 games while Woll misses significant time again, this move could look brilliant regardless of last season's statistics.
Depth is where Toronto takes a step backward.
The larger concern may not be the NHL tandem. Replacing Dennis Hildeby weakens the organization's depth, at least today. Hlavaj has enjoyed success representing Slovakia internationally, but he has yet to translate that success into consistent AHL performance. Hildeby, meanwhile, had established himself as one of the American Hockey League's better young goaltenders.
That loss shouldn't be ignored.
My first impression about the Maple Leafs’ goalies?
My initial reaction is that Toronto hasn't clearly improved its goaltending. The Maple Leafs have traded youth and potential for experience and playoff pedigree. That may prove to be exactly what this team needs.
Or it may prove that Father Time eventually catches every great goaltender. Like every first impression, this one may change over the coming months.