TAMPA BAY — The Tampa Bay Lightning traded forward Nick Paul to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for 24-year-old goaltender Dennis Hildeby, a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a third-round pick in 2028, vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced.
The deal gives Tampa Bay a young netminder who led all Toronto goaltenders with 20 or more games played last season in both goals-against average (2.86) and save percentage (.914). Hildeby posted a 5-7-4 record across those 20 games with the Maple Leafs, his second NHL season after being drafted in the fourth round, 122nd overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Hildeby also split time last season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, skating in 23 games and recording a 10-8-5 record with a 2.71 GAA and .898 save percentage. He appeared in three Calder Cup playoff games, where he posted a 2.17 GAA and .921 save percentage.
The Jarfalla, Sweden native has appeared in 26 career NHL games, all with Toronto, compiling an 8-10-4 record with a 2.98 GAA and .906 save percentage. His AHL resume is more extensive — 96 career games with the Marlies, where he went 47-29-16 with a 2.57 GAA, .906 save percentage and six shutouts. In eight career Calder Cup Playoff games from 2023-2026, Hildeby earned a 2.87 GAA and .903 save percentage.
The acquisition of two draft picks alongside Hildeby adds future assets for BriseBois as the Lightning reshape their roster. The fourth-round selection in 2027 and third-round pick in 2028 give Tampa Bay additional flexibility in upcoming drafts.
The Lightning are expected to open training camp in September, where Hildeby will compete for a roster spot in the Tampa Bay crease.