BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The slumping, injury-depleted Toronto Maple Leafs are finally preparing to welcome back at least one reinforcement. Goalie Joseph Woll is rejoining the team following a month-long personal leave to deal with a family matter, the Maple Leafs announced Friday.

“It means a lot,” captain Auston Matthews said after a 5-3 loss at Buffalo . “Obviously, he’s a big part of our team, so very happy to hear that.”

The 27-year-old Woll is from suburban St. Louis was and drafted by Toronto in 2016 out of Boston College. He's entering his fifth NHL season and coming off a year in which he went 27-14-1, with career highs in wins and 42 appearances.

Woll was once again being counted upon this season to share the load with returning co-starter Anthony Stolarz, before the team annou

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