Anthony Stolarz has wrapped up an impressive debut season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking himself as one of GM Brad Treliving's savviest acquisitions from last year's offseason. The Leafs were in desperate need of a dependable goalie following their painful first-round exit against the Boston Bruins in 2024.
While Ilya Samsonov stood as a familiar name, and Joseph Woll showed promise, his history of injuries left a big question mark over his head. Enter Stolarz, fresh off serving as Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup, ready to step into the spotlight.
Originally, Treliving envisioned a tandem setup between Woll and Stolarz, sharing the crease throughout the season. Yet as games went on, Stolarz emerged as the frontrunner, displaying the talent and poise that proved he was ready to leave Bobrovsky's shadow behind.
Treliving's decision to hand Stolarz a two-year, $5 million contract might have raised some eyebrows, especially since the club had recently inked Woll to a contract extension. However, any doubts quickly evaporated as Stolarz more than justified his paycheck with standout performances.
Even a mid-December lower-body injury couldn't overshadow Stolarz’s overall contributions. Across 34 regular season games, he boasted a 21-8-3 record, a 2.14 goals-against average (GAA), and a .918 save percentage (SV%). His postseason performance held strong as well, as he recorded a 4-2 record with a 2.19 GAA and a .901 SV%.
However, the postseason threw a curveball his way when a rough elbow from Sam Bennett left Stolarz concussed, sidelining him for the rest of the Leafs' second-round clash with the Panthers. While debates continue about the nature of the hit, it's clear the Leafs missed his presence.
Who knows, in an alternate reality, Stolarz might have led the team past the Panthers. But let's not wander too far into fantasy; we're here for the hockey.
Judging by his season-long contributions, Stolarz proved to be reliable in the net, even with the limited action he saw. His consistent performance strongly suggests that he should be in prime position to secure the starting goalie role when next season kicks off. Don’t be surprised if Stolarz solidifies himself as the full-time starter.
Final Grade: A-
Stolarz receives top marks for his efforts, earning an A- as he briefly flirted with being in the Vezina Trophy conversation before his mid-season injury. By the time he returned, Connor Hellebuyck had firmly entrenched himself in the running for the top goalie accolade.
Looking ahead, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be banking on another year of dependable net-minding from Stolarz as they strive to remain competitive. While a division title might be an ambitious target, expect the Leafs to take a page from the Tampa Bay Lightning's playbook, focusing on securing a playoff spot and preparing for a deep postseason run. That, after all, is where seasons truly become memorable.
