4 Maple Leafs players with something to prove at the World Championships

"The 2025-26 NHL season was certainly a year worth forgetting for Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll. After forming a strong 1a and 1b tandem with Anthony Stolarz the previous year in leading Toronto to the second round of the NHL Playoffs, Woll struggled to a 15-16-7, 3.31 GAA, and .899 save percentage. Those numbers were easily his worst numbers that he had put up in a season so far in his NHL career."

"Nevertheless, Woll now has the chance to redeem himself with a strong showing in the upcoming hockey tournament. With Team U.S.A. having the 27-year-old Leafs goaltender, along with Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames and Drew Commesso of the Chicago Blackhawks forming their preliminary goalie roster, look for Woll to take the reigns and lead the way for the Americans."

"Oliver Ekman-Larsson sure was a renaissance with the Maple Leafs this past season. Turning back the clock to some extent, Ekman-Larsson was actually one of the Leafs' top performing defenseman from their 2025-26 campaign. The 34-year-old veteran posted eight goals and 31 assists for 39 points, 70 PIMs and a -6 in 78 games with Toronto to lead the team in scoring among defenseman this past year."

"More importantly, he showed that he could also be a solid defender still at his age as the same time. The strong play of Ekman-Larsson had alre"

The 2026 IIHF World Championship begins this Friday, featuring players from NHL teams eliminated from playoff contention. Several Toronto Maple Leafs from the 2025-26 roster are participating. Joseph Woll represents Team USA after a difficult NHL season, when he posted a 15-16-7 record, 3.31 GAA, and a .899 save percentage. With Devin Cooley and Drew Commesso also on the preliminary goalie roster, Woll has an opportunity to lead the Americans. Oliver Ekman-Larsson represents Team Sweden after a productive Maple Leafs season, recording eight goals and 31 assists for 39 points, along with 70 PIMs and a -6 across 78 games, while continuing to contribute as a defender at age 34.

Read at Editor In Leaf