Joseph Woll, the goaltender recently traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Flyers, has expressed strong excitement and determination for a fresh start, aiming to compete and form a strong tandem.
On June 16, 2026, the Flyers acquired Woll (along with defenseman Simon Benoit) from Toronto in exchange for goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a 2026 third-round pick. Woll spent his first 10 professional seasons in the Maple Leafs organization after being drafted by them in the third round (62nd overall) in 2016.
In comments after the trade (including media availability around June 24 and interviews into late June), Woll described the move as initially overwhelming after a decade centered on one city and organization, but he quickly became pumped about the opportunity. He noted that learning he was traded with close friend Benoit helped ease the transition, and he highlighted the Flyers’ trajectory after their rebuild and recent playoff appearance. He has talked about joining a “proven team” with a chance to help chase a Cup and referred to a “surplus of excitement.”
Key points from Woll on his mindset and role:
- Woll does not view himself as a pure backup: “It’s never anyone’s goal in the NHL to be a backup, and, you know, that’s not my goal. I want to come in and show and prove my belief in myself, and that I’m coming to compete.” He expects to push Dan Vladar (the expected Number One after a strong 2025-26) and form a “great tandem.”
- Focus areas include returning to his strengths (technical base, elite skating/athleticism) and being ready every night, whether starting or supporting.
- He has connected with Flyers staff (including goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh) and received positive outreach, including from Vladar.
Recent performance context:
In 2025-26 with Toronto, Woll went 15-16-7 with a 3.34 GAA and .899 save percentage in 39 games (career-high two shutouts), on a team that struggled defensively. His stronger 2024-25 season (27-14-1, 2.73 GAA, .909 SV% in 42 games) showed higher upside. Career NHL numbers (through 2025-26): 63-43-9, 2.94 GAA, .906 SV% in 117 games. He remains under contract through 2027-28 at a $3.67 million AAV.
As of early September 2026 (approaching the 2026-27 season), coverage frames the Woll-Vladar pairing as an upgrade in net stability for the Flyers, with Woll bringing starter potential, athleticism, and playoff experience. He and Benoit have also drawn interest for off-ice traits (Woll’s musical/piano background and high IQ; both have coffee-related notes in profiles).
In short, Woll has made clear he is motivated and ready to compete and impress in Philadelphia.
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