"Toronto retains its strength between the pipes heading into the 2025-26 season. The departure of Matt Murray (Seattle Kraken) means Dennis Hildeby is the franchise's number three goaltender after re-signing this summer. That is assuming recently acquired Cayden Primeau steps up to the plate during Joseph Woll's absence. If the gamble on the former Canadiens netminder doesn't pay off, Hildeby might find himself back in the NHL earlier than expected."
"Hildeby's backup will be the promising Russian netminder Artur Akhtyamov, who made a strong impression early last season before hitting a rookie wall of sorts. Ken Appleby is signed to an AHL deal to provide some veteran depth, as the organization has moved away from signing an NHL veteran in the vein of Murray or Martin Jones. The 30-year-old is pencilled to start the upcoming season in Cincinnati alongside Vyacheslav Peksa."
Coaching staff remains intact while numerous player departures occurred in the offseason. Toronto retains depth at goaltender despite Matt Murray's exit, with Dennis Hildeby now third on the depth chart after re-signing and Cayden Primeau expected to assume an expanded role during Joseph Woll's absence. Artur Akhtyamov projects as a promising backup after an early-season showing, while Ken Appleby joins on an AHL deal to provide veteran depth alongside Vyacheslav Peksa. The defense shifts younger after Topi Niemelä, Mikko Kokkonen, Nicolas Mattinen, and Tommy Miller moved on. Matt Benning, Dakota Mermis, and Marshall Rifai supply veteran leadership, though Rifai faces wrist surgery recovery. Henry Thrun adds NHL experience after clearing waivers, and William Villeneuve re-signed for one year following a 40-point campaign.
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