Maple Leafs call up goalie Dennis Hildeby from AHL after waiving Samsonov

Toronto Maple Leafs recent call up goalie Dennis Hildeby discusses his new opportunity in the NHL and how he was alerted of his promotion.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have called up rookie goaltender Dennis Hildeby ahead of a road trip through California.

This is Hildeby’s first time in the NHL.

The move comes after the Maple Leafs waived veteran goalie Ilya Samsonov on Sunday. Samsonov cleared waivers on Monday is expected he will be taking Hildeby’s spot with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Hildeby, a 22-year-old from Sweden, was a fourth-round pick by the Maple Leafs in 2022. In 15 starts for the Marlies this season, he has a 7-5-3 record with a .919 save percentage.

“A very proud moment,” said Hildeby on being called up. “It felt like I’ve done something good to get this call up … I feel like I’ve found my pace and been fairly consistent with my performances.”

The Maple Leafs begin a three-game road trip in Los Angeles on Tuesday before making stops in Anaheim and San Jose.

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