Mats Sundin and John Chayka face an uphill task rebuilding the Toronto Maple Leafs after a 30-point decline. They must strengthen the defensive corps, create a plan for Auston Matthews to win immediately, and re-tool a team whose defensive form fell sharply. Oliver Ekman-Larsson increased his trade value by playing a physical, reliable role, contributing secondary scoring, and earning selection to Sweden’s Olympic team while captaining at the IIHF World Championship. Dennis Hildeby posted a .914 save percentage in 20 games, showing he could develop into a capable NHL backup and potentially a starter. Ekman-Larsson’s trade rumors persist, and moving him may become necessary if Toronto can acquire an under-25 asset or top prospect.
"Dennis Hildeby was solid for the Maple Leafs, posting a .914 save percentage during 20 games. Hildeby ought to have received more starts, but evidently Craig Berube didn't know what he had in the 6-foot-7 goaltender. Although he spent the majority of the year with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, Hildeby showed that he could be a capable, developing backup goaltender at the NHL level, with the potential to graduate into a starter."
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