Dennis Hildeby's Contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs Comes with a Unique Structure

Dennis Hildeby and the Toronto Maple Leafs had seemingly reached a stalemate a few months ago as the team sent him a qualifying offer.

As a restricted free agent, Hildeby could either accept the offer or simply decline and enter a negotiation. With September approaching, there was quite a bit of intrigue and concern around a potential deal.

After all, Hildeby is the team's third-string goaltender, and with Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll being injury-prone, you need a third guy locked in.

Thankfully, earlier today, the Maple Leafs and Hildeby were able to come to terms on a new deal, and as you will read, it has some interesting stipulations.

Essentially, Hildeby will be on a two-way deal for the first two years of his contract. This means the team can split him between the Leafs and the Marlies as they wish.

However, in the third year, his deal is for the Maple Leafs only, which essentially forces the team to commit to him. As for salary, he is making $841,667 per season.

This is a fascinating contract, as it proves that the Toronto Maple Leafs are taking Hildeby seriously as a goaltending prospect for their future.

Furthermore, it brings into question the futures of Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. If Hildeby will be one of the team's goalies in two years from now, that means Stolarz or Woll has to go.

It is a harsh reality, but that is the reality that the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing right about now.

Only time will tell whether or not the team extends Stolarz, or let's him walk once his deal expires next Summer.