BREAKING NEWS: Maple Leafs Sign Former NCAA Superstar Goalie to Tryout…

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltender Jon Gillies to a professional tryout (PTO) ahead of training camp. The 30-year-old former NCAA star joins the Leafs’ preseason roster with no guarantee of making the team, as PTO deals do not assure a spot. Gillies, who didn’t play in the 2023–24 season, has had a mixed professional career but stands out for his size and experience.

Gillies has mostly played in the AHL, with brief NHL stints for the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, and Calgary Flames. In 35 NHL games, he has an 8-16-3 record and a .891 save percentage. A former standout at Providence University, he led his team to a national title in 2015 and was named the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round of the 2012 NHL draft, his 6-foot-6 frame is a key strength, although his lateral movement and rebound control have limited his NHL opportunities. Injuries, including a hip issue, have also impacted his career, though he’s found success in the AHL with a 2.94 GAA, .904 SV%, and nine shutouts in 184 games.

Toronto’s goalie roster is already competitive, with Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, Matt Murray, Dennis Hildeby, and Artur Akhtyamov all in the mix. If Gillies secures a contract, it’s likely to be a two-way deal or an AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies, rather than a spot on the Maple Leafs’ roster.