3 Goaltending Options the Maple Leafs Could Explore After the Stolarz Injury
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tough spot right now-seventh in the Atlantic Division, inconsistent on both ends of the ice, and now facing a growing concern in the crease. With Anthony Stolarz sidelined indefinitely after going down early in a November 11 game against the Bruins, Toronto’s goaltending situation is suddenly looking thin. Head coach Craig Berube admitted the injury is worse than initially thought, and with no timeline for return, the Leafs may have to start exploring the trade market.
The tandem of Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby has held the line for now-Woll has been solid, and Hildeby has shown flashes-but if Stolarz is out long-term, Toronto may need to make a move. Here are three potential goaltending targets the Leafs could consider if they decide to bolster the net.
1. Stuart Skinner - Edmonton Oilers
Stuart Skinner may not be a household name across the league, but he’s been the best option in net for the Oilers since breaking into the NHL full-time. Drafted in the third round back in 2017, Skinner has had an up-and-down season so far, sitting at 9-7-3 with a 3.00 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage. Those numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they only tell part of the story.
When Skinner is locked in, he can steal games. He was an NHL All-Star in 2023 and has shown he can handle a heavy workload.
The consistency isn’t always there-he’s had stretches where things go off the rails-but he’s capable of giving a team like Toronto solid, NHL-caliber minutes. With the Leafs needing someone who can step in and play right away, Skinner could be a strong fit, especially if Edmonton is looking to shake up its roster.
2. Juuse Saros - Nashville Predators
Now here’s a name with some real weight behind it. Juuse Saros has been a staple in Nashville’s crease since entering the league, and while he’s not the biggest goaltender at 5-foot-11, he plays with elite quickness, positioning, and compete level. A fourth-round pick in 2013, Saros has grown into one of the most respected netminders in the league.
This season, however, has been a bit of a struggle. He’s posted a 7-9-3 record with a 3.08 GAA and a .889 save percentage-numbers that are below his usual standard. Still, Saros has a track record of bouncing back, and his overall body of work suggests he could be a game-changer for a team like Toronto.
There have been whispers over the past couple of seasons that the Predators might be open to moving Saros, especially if they lean into a rebuild. With Justus Annunen in the backup role and not quite ready to take over full-time duties, Nashville would likely want a goaltender in return. That could make things complicated, but Saros’ ceiling makes him an intriguing option for the Leafs.
3. Laurent Brossoit - Chicago Blackhawks
If the Leafs are looking for a more affordable, steady backup presence, Laurent Brossoit might be their guy. The veteran goaltender hasn’t played yet this season, but he’s long been viewed as one of the more reliable backups in the league. With Chicago focusing on younger netminders like Spencer Knight and Arvid Soderblom, Brossoit has reportedly been given permission to explore other opportunities.
Brossoit’s cap hit is a manageable $3.3 million, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, he wouldn’t be a long-term commitment. For Toronto, he could slide in behind Woll and provide a stabilizing presence, especially if Hildeby isn’t quite ready for a full-time NHL role. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s the kind of low-risk, potentially high-reward option that could help the Leafs navigate a tricky stretch.
What’s Next for Toronto?
Right now, the Leafs are waiting for clarity on Stolarz’s injury. But if the news leans toward long-term absence-or worse, season-ending-the front office will have to act.
Woll has shown promise, but asking him to carry the full load without a proven partner might be asking too much. Hildeby, while intriguing, is still developing.
Whether it’s a swing for a high-end solution like Saros, a steady option like Skinner, or a low-cost veteran like Brossoit, Toronto has paths to explore. The clock is ticking, and if the Leafs want to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need to make sure the crease doesn’t become their Achilles’ heel.