The Toronto Maple Leafs traded goaltender Dennis Hildeby to the Tampa Bay Lightning for winger Nick Paul on Wednesday, immediately after signing free-agent goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. The deal also included Toronto sending a third-round pick in 2028 and a fourth-round pick in 2027 to Tampa Bay.
Hildeby's departure clears crowded crease
Hildeby, 24, played 23 games for the Maple Leafs last season, posting a .906 save percentage and showing he was NHL-ready. However, the acquisition of Bobrovsky on a three-year, $21 million contract made Hildeby expendable. The Leafs already had Anthony Stolarz on the roster and had traded Joseph Woll days earlier. Additionally, goaltender Artur Akhtyamov had a stellar season with the Calder Cup-winning Marlies, adding further pressure on the crease.
“The acquisition of veteran netminder Sergei Bobrovsky meant Dennis Hildeby was surplus goalie goods,” the team noted. The trade also helped the Leafs shed salary as they processed Bobrovsky and other free-agent signings.
Nick Paul brings physicality and familiarity
Paul, a Mississauga, Ontario native, spent five seasons with the Lightning and often hurt the Leafs with key goals and plays. He previously played for the Ottawa Senators, where he was a factor in the Battle of Ontario. Last season, Paul recorded seven goals and eight assists in 51 games, missing time due to injuries. The Leafs hope his physical style and playoff experience will bolster their forward depth.
“Paul is a long-time Leafs nemesis winger,” the article stated. The Leafs also added winger Zach MacEwan from the New Jersey Devils, though he played only three NHL games last season.
Free agency moves continue
The Hildeby trade was one of several moves on the first day of NHL free agency. The Leafs also signed Bobrovsky to a three-year deal worth $7 million per season, and added scoring punch by signing Jack Roslovic. The team continues to reshape its roster under general manager Brad Treliving.
