NHL Analyst Makes Shocking Comparison Between Andre Vasilevskiy and Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect

Former NHL enforcer and noted Leafs fan Paul Bissonnette recently made some comments about Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby on his podcast, Spittin' Chiclets. The former forward joked about that fact that some Leafs fans are particularly high on Hildeby as a future NHL goalie.

"And this Dennis Hildeby, he might be the next Vasilevskiy, that's what I'm hearing. I'm hearing Vezina aspirations."

Bissonnette was being facetious of course. While Hildeby may very well become an NHL level goaltender, it is too early in his development to compare him to the best goaltenders in the world. Given his lack of draft pedigree, it is unlikely he would develop into a top-five NHL goalie.

All of that being said, Hildeby has quietly put together a solid season for the Marlies this year. This is his first season taking the reigns as the team's starting goaltender and he has good numbers to show for it. He currently has an 8-6-2 record along with a 2.22 goals-against-average and a .917 save percentage. While his record is mediocre, his other numbers are exceptional, indicating a lack of goal support from his teammates.

The 6'7" netminder was drafted 122nd overall by the Leafs in 2022. His numbers in the SHL and AHL since being drafted are both very solid, indicating that the 22-year-old could very well have number 1 NHL upside. We will just have to wait and see whether or not that becomes the case or not.

As seen on Insider reveals the Toronto Maple Leafs have found their own Andrei Vasilevskiy