Minnesota Wild Former Goalie Signs with Toronto in One-Year Deal

Minnesota Wild see former netminder Samuel Hlavaj sign a one‑year, $850,000 deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, ending his two‑season AHL run in Minnesota. Hlavaj, a 6‑foot‑4 Slovakian Olympian, never appeared in an NHL game for the Wild but logged 58 games with Iowa.

What’s the deal?

Hlavaj’s contract runs through the 2026‑27 season with a cap hit of $850,000. The 25‑year‑old will join Toronto’s depth chart, hoping to climb from the AHL to a regular NHL backup role. He spent the 2024‑25 season in Iowa posting a 2.85 GAA and .904 save percentage over 36 games, plus five ECHL outings with the Iowa Heartlanders.

How did he perform in Minnesota?

During his two years with the Wild organization, Hlavaj compiled a 21‑25‑9 record. Last season he appeared in 22 games, going 7‑11‑2 with a 3.28 GAA and .887 save percentage. While those numbers weren’t eye‑popping, his size and international pedigree kept him on the radar of NHL clubs.

Why does this matter for the Wild?

The Wild are currently 3rd in the Western Conference with a 46‑24 record and riding a one‑game winning streak. Losing a depth goalie could thin their AHL pipeline, but the organization has a deep pool of young netminders, including 2024 first‑round pick Alex Keller. Hlavaj’s departure opens a spot for a fresh prospect to earn ice time as the club eyes a playoff push.

What’s next for Hlavaj and the Wild?

Hlavaj will report to Toronto’s training camp in September, aiming to earn a larger role after two developmental seasons in Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Wild head into a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks on 2026‑09‑20, looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their position heading into the postseason.

How does his international experience factor in?

Hlavaj entered the North American scene after a standout junior career, earning QMJHL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the Jacques Plante Trophy in 2019‑20. He posted a .929 save percentage in three Olympic qualifying games in 2024 and represented Slovakia at the 2025 and 2026 IIHF World Championships, as well as the 2026 Winter Olympics. That pedigree adds a layer of experience that Toronto hopes will translate into reliable backup minutes.

What does this signal for the Wild’s future?

The Wild’s willingness to let Hlavaj walk suggests confidence in their internal goaltending pipeline. With a solid AHL roster and upcoming draft assets, Minnesota appears ready to develop the next generation of netminders while maintaining a competitive edge in the West.