The Toronto Maple Leafs might be coasting toward the end of this season, but for goaltenders Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, the stakes couldn't be higher.
This season has been a rollercoaster for the Leafs' goaltending duo. Neither Woll nor Stolarz has managed to firmly establish themselves as the definitive starter, a struggle compounded by untimely injuries and defensive lapses. It's been a challenging year in the Maple Leafs’ crease.
Stolarz, appearing in just 21 games, holds a 7-9-3 record with a 3.40 goals against average and a .890 save percentage. Statistically, it’s been a rough patch for him, far from the expectations set when the Leafs extended his contract. With his new deal kicking in next season, featuring a $3.75 million average annual value and a 16-team no-trade list activating in July, the situation adds layers of complexity for GM Brad Treliving as he plans for the offseason.
On the flip side, Woll has been a beacon of hope, playing in 32 games with a 14-11-4 record, a 3.09 GAA, and a .905 save percentage. Despite the team's struggles, Woll has shown promise, sparking curiosity about his potential trade value. At 27, he’s five years younger than Stolarz, and his contract, with a $3.6 million AAV through the 2027-28 season, could be attractive to other teams-or perhaps even more so to the Leafs themselves.
Adding to the mix are AHL standouts Dennis Hildeby and Artur Akhtyamov, both showing potential to step up to the NHL level. This depth in goaltending opens up strategic options for the Leafs, possibly allowing them to trade for a top-six forward or an offensive defenseman to enhance their power play and join the rush more effectively. The pressing question is, who will be the odd one out?
As the season winds down, Stolarz and Woll are likely to share the remaining games, each aiming to leave a strong final impression. With a limited pool of goaltenders expected to be available for trade this summer, the Leafs could find themselves in a favorable position. If the situation doesn’t resolve as hoped, it might prompt the organization to rethink its management strategy rather than just its goaltending roster.
The clock is ticking on what’s been a tough season for the Maple Leafs. For Stolarz and Woll, this final stretch could be pivotal in determining their future with the team.