The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a roster move ahead of their second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers, as they have loaned goaltender Erik Källgren to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. The move comes as the Maple Leafs are nearing full health among their goaltending depth for what seems like the first time in months.
Källgren was the emergency backup on Toronto’s roster behind Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll during the team’s first-round win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He’s played 24 games with the Leafs over the past two seasons, recording a .892 save percentage and an 11-6-5 record, but has now been surpassed by the younger Woll in the hierarchy of Toronto goalies.
The loaning of Källgren to the Marlies is likely a sign that two-time Stanley Cup champion Matt Murray is healthy enough to return to game action. Murray hasn’t played since April 2, sustaining a concussion in a game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Even if Murray is ready to return to play, it’s unlikely he’ll see any game action, and it’s unclear whether he’d even dress as the backup. Woll has had an impressive season at both the NHL and minor-league levels and played strong hockey down the stretch.
Källgren now returns to aid the Marlies in their playoff run, currently tied 1-1 with the Utica Comets in a best-of-five semifinal series. He posted a 10-9-2 record and a .883 save percentage in 24 games with the Marlies this season.