Anthony Stolarz Nears Return as Maple Leafs Bolster Goaltending Depth
The Toronto Maple Leafs just got a little closer to restoring a key piece of their goaltending puzzle. Veteran netminder Anthony Stolarz has officially entered the final phase of his recovery, taking a significant step forward with a conditioning assignment to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
The move, confirmed by the organization on Tuesday, signals that Stolarz is nearing a return to NHL action after being sidelined since November 11. That night, he exited a game against the Bruins after just one period due to what was initially described as an upper-body injury. It was later revealed to be a nerve-related issue - the kind of injury that doesn’t respond to quick fixes, but rather demands time, patience, and a methodical return to form.
Now, with the green light to play, Stolarz heads to the Marlies not because he’s not ready, but because he needs real-time reps to fine-tune his game. That’s what these conditioning stints are all about: getting back into rhythm without the pressure of NHL stakes. And for a goaltender, that rhythm - the timing, the reads, the feel for the puck through traffic - can only be rebuilt in live action.
“He’s been through full practices, taking all kinds of shots and doing the work,” head coach Craig Berube said. “That’s important for him before he’s ready to go.” While Berube didn’t provide a specific timeline for Stolarz’s AHL stint, the implication is clear: this is the final checkpoint.
Stolarz’s road back has been a steady one. Even during his absence, he remained active on the ice, staying involved in practices and keeping his conditioning up. That quiet, behind-the-scenes work is now paying off.
Before the injury, the 31-year-old appeared in 13 games for Toronto, posting a 6-5-1 record. The numbers were a bit up and down, but the Leafs showed their belief in his long-term value when they inked him to a two-year extension last summer, keeping him under contract through the 2027-28 season. That’s not a move you make unless you see a goaltender as part of your core plan.
In his absence, the Leafs haven’t just treaded water - they’ve stabilized. Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby have stepped up, providing consistent play between the pipes and helping Toronto climb into playoff position. It’s been a tandem effort that’s worked, but now the coaching staff has a good problem on its hands: when and how to reintroduce a healthy, motivated Stolarz into the mix.
With eight games left before the February Olympic break, Toronto has some runway to evaluate. If Stolarz responds well to AHL action and shows he's ready, the Leafs could have a three-headed goaltending situation on their hands - not a bad place to be heading into the stretch run.
For now, the focus is on reps, rhythm, and readiness. And if Stolarz checks all the boxes, the Leafs’ crease could be deeper - and more competitive - than it’s been all season.