Joseph Woll opens up about moment the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him

After spending his entire career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, goaltender Joseph Woll wasn't expecting the phone call he received on June 16.

The 27-year-old goaltender was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, along with defenceman Simon Benoit, in exchange for goaltender Samuel Ersson, defenceman Emil Andrae and a third-round pick in this year's NHL Draft.

In an interview with The Hockey News' Siobhan Nolan, Woll reflected on the moment he learned his time in Toronto had come to an end.

Woll told Nolan that he was at home in Toronto, playing around with some hockey cards, when he received the trade call, and that it triggered an immediate emotional response.

Joseph Woll appeared in net for 117 career games with the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)

"At that time, it felt like a massive change," Woll told Nolan. "It's just a lot of emotions. Everything's running through your head about all the memories, so there was a bit of sadness."

Woll initially thought he was the only player involved in the deal and said he went for a walk to process the news.

Not long after, he received a call from Maple Leafs teammate Simon Benoit, who informed him that he, too, had been traded to Philadelphia.

Woll told Nolan that the news of Benoit joining him instantly lifted his spirits.

The American goaltender was drafted by Toronto in 2016 and played between the pipes for 117 career games with the Maple Leafs, in addition to 14 playoff games.

Joseph Woll said he was “messing with some hockey cards” (he’s an avid collector) when he got the trade call. Said he was pretty sad to hear the news and went for a walk, then Benoit called him excited that they were coming to Philly together, which majorly lifted Woll’s spirits.

— Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) June 24, 2026

"I have nothing but gratitude for my time [in Toronto]," said Woll. "It was a very special seven years with the organization. It has been a beautiful experience playing with them."

Woll was a fan favourite during his time in Toronto, on and off the ice.

Whether it was joining Norwegian DJ Kygo on stage to sing during a Toronto concert in 2025 or showcasing his piano skills at MLSE events, Woll had a reputation for being one of the team's more unique personalities.

In the end, Philly received a gem, and Ersson has big shoes to fill.