Former Maple Leafs prospect Dennis Hildeby embraces fresh start in Tampa Bay
This story originally appeared on hockeysverige.se and has been translated from Swedish to English.
Sweden continues to produce NHL-caliber goaltenders, and Dennis Hildeby is one of the latest to make the jump.
The 24-year-old made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2024-25 season, and while many expected his long-term breakthrough to come in Toronto, his path took an unexpected turn. On July 1, the Maple Leafs traded Hildeby to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he’ll compete for a roster spot alongside fellow Swede Jonas Johansson while learning behind reigning Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy.
“It’s been exciting right from the start,” Hildeby told Hockeysverige.se during a recent interview in his hometown of Bålsta, Sweden. “Getting drafted by an organization like Toronto was a huge honor.”
Looking back on his three years with the Maple Leafs organization, Hildeby has nothing but positive memories.
“I spent three seasons there and grew a lot, both as a hockey player and as a person. I really enjoyed my time there, and there were so many great people who took care of me.”
“It felt surreal”
Like so many players who have worn the Maple Leafs sweater, Hildeby quickly experienced the intensity of playing hockey in Toronto.
“The interest around the team is obviously huge,” he said. “I actually think it’s great that people care so much about what’s happening.”
“Of course, it can be tougher when you or the team aren’t playing well because there’s more pressure, but overall it’s something very special, and I really appreciated it.”
His NHL debut remains one of the defining moments of his career.
“That entire day felt surreal,” Hildeby said with a laugh.
“The feeling before that game was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. I realized how special the moment was, and I almost felt like I’d made it. Obviously I was nervous, but more than anything I felt proud that I’d reached that point and had the chance to experience something so big.”
The advantages of Toronto’s setup
One aspect of the Maple Leafs organization that Hildeby especially appreciated was having both the NHL and AHL clubs based in the same city.
“It was fantastic, especially the last two seasons when I was moving up and down quite a bit.”
“I haven’t experienced how other organizations operate, but it’s incredibly convenient to keep the same apartment all year, regardless of whether you’re called up and need to report within a few hours.”
“The arenas are also close to each other, so the transition isn’t very dramatic.”
Hildeby appeared in 20 NHL games, including relief appearances, during the 2025-26 season.
“It was a really fun season. I got a lot of opportunities in the NHL, and it was amazing to play there.”
“Obviously, we would’ve liked better results. I didn’t get as many wins as I hoped for, but it was a valuable experience and something I can build on.”
He admitted that his time in the AHL was more inconsistent.
“My performances in the AHL were a little up and down. I’m still trying to analyze exactly why that was, but it’s hard to pinpoint one specific reason. Overall, though, it was a good season to build from.”
An unexpected trade call
Just over a week ago, Hildeby’s NHL journey took another unexpected turn when Toronto traded him to Tampa Bay.
“It was definitely a first for me,” he said. “I’d never experienced being traded before. As a player, you always know it’s possible, so it’s always somewhere in the back of your mind.”
“There had already been a lot of movement around the league, so I knew there was a chance I could be next.”
The timing of the call couldn’t have been more unexpected.
“I got the phone call about five minutes before Belgium played Senegal.”
“After that, there were so many calls that I only managed to watch the second half.”
Was it difficult to focus on the match?
“(Laughs.) I missed the first 45 minutes and then had to catch up afterward.”
Learning from the best
Now in Tampa Bay, Hildeby will have the opportunity to practice alongside one of the greatest goaltenders of his generation.
Vasilevskiy captured another Vezina Trophy after the 2025-26 season, and Hildeby is eager to absorb as much as he can.
“It’s a tough competition, but also something really special and exciting. As a goalie, getting to spend time around someone like him is incredibly valuable. You get to watch him every day and learn from him.”
“He’s a goalie I’ve looked up to for a long time, so it’s really cool.”
Asked what makes Vasilevskiy so unique, Hildeby didn’t hesitate.
“They call him ‘The Cat.’ He’s incredibly athletic and unbelievably quick for someone his size. His pad saves are amazing to watch.”
A warm welcome in Tampa
Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has indicated that the organization expects Hildeby to compete for the backup role currently occupied by fellow Swede Jonas Johansson, who is expected to move on.
“I’ve crossed paths with Jonas before, but I don’t know him personally. We played against each other a couple of seasons ago and chatted a little during warm-ups.”
Not long after the trade became official, Hildeby’s phone buzzed with a message from another Swedish star.
“I got a really warm welcome from Victor Hedman. That meant a lot and immediately made me feel comfortable.”
“I also know Pontus Holmberg from our time together with the Toronto Marlies, so he’s someone I can lean on, which is nice.”
“All I can do is watch and learn”
Hildeby knows nothing will be handed to him in training camp.
“Of course the goal is to earn one of the two roster spots. At the same time, it’s a tough competition. But I like where things stand right now, and I think it’s a great opportunity. Now it’s up to me to earn that spot.”
Competing with Vasilevskiy might sound intimidating, but Hildeby sees it differently.
“Exactly. All I can do is watch, learn, and take every opportunity I get to learn from him. I’m really looking forward to it.”
From Linden to the NHL
Hildeby’s hockey journey began with Swedish club Linden, and when asked what has taken him from there to the NHL, he credits the people around him as much as his own work ethic.
“It’s so many things. My family, the people around me, and just continuing to work.”
“My parents gave me every opportunity. Every goalie camp I wanted to attend, they made sure I could go — and even some I didn’t ask for.”
“I’ve had so much help along the way from great coaches and mentors. At the same time, you need some good bounces, too, and I’ve had my share. It won’t always go your way, and it certainly hasn’t all the time, but I’ve put myself in a good position. Now it’s just about keeping that going and continuing to push forward.”
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