Atlantic Division Notebook: Stolarz Nearing Return, Kesselring Back, Ullmark Skates, Poitras Changes Agents
Stolarz Opens Up About Injury, Eyes Return to Maple Leafs Lineup
After more than two months on the shelf, Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz finally shed some light on the upper-body injury that’s kept him out of action - and it turns out, it’s been more complicated than anyone initially realized. Speaking to reporters, Stolarz revealed he’s been dealing with a nerve issue, something that didn’t come with a clear timeline. It wasn’t about rehab or surgery - it was about waiting, healing, and hoping the symptoms would subside.
This wasn’t the start Toronto had in mind when they handed Stolarz a four-year, $15 million extension during training camp. Coming off a strong 2022-23 season, expectations were high.
But before the injury, Stolarz had a rough go - a 3.51 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage in 13 starts. Those numbers don’t tell the full story, but they do reflect a goalie who wasn’t quite right.
The good news? Stolarz is back on the ice and ramping up.
He mentioned he still needs a few full practices before he’s game-ready, but the timeline is beginning to take shape. With the Leafs in the midst of a five-game homestand, there’s a real chance fans could see him between the pipes before it wraps up.
A healthy Stolarz - or even just a stabilized one - could be a key piece as Toronto looks to solidify its crease heading into the second half of the season.
Kesselring Returns for Buffalo, Norris Still Day-to-Day
The Sabres are getting some help on the blue line. Michael Kesselring is set to return to the lineup against the Wild after missing the last seven games with a high ankle sprain. It’s been a quiet start to his Buffalo tenure - no points in 16 games and averaging just over 15 minutes a night - but the 6-foot-4 defenseman brings size and structure to the third pairing.
Kesselring was part of an offseason deal that sent him from Utah to Buffalo, and while the offensive production hasn’t shown up yet, the Sabres are clearly still evaluating what they have in the 24-year-old. His return adds depth to a back end that’s been juggling injuries and inconsistency.
Meanwhile, center Joshua Norris remains day-to-day. The Sabres haven’t offered much detail, but with Norris still sidelined, Buffalo continues to search for answers down the middle.
Ullmark Skates with Senators, But Return Still Unclear
There was a welcome sight at Senators practice on Friday: Linus Ullmark back on the ice with his teammates for the first time since taking a personal leave of absence last month. It’s a step forward, no doubt, but there’s still no timetable for when the veteran netminder might return to game action.
Ullmark’s season to this point has been a tough one. Through the first two and a half months, he posted an .881 save percentage - the lowest of his career by a wide margin. For a goalie who’s been a model of consistency in recent years, it’s been a frustrating stretch.
Until Ullmark is ready, the crease belongs to Leevi Merilainen and James Reimer, who was signed recently to help stabilize the position. Ottawa’s goaltending has been in flux all season, and while Ullmark’s return to practice is a positive sign, the Senators will have to keep managing without him for the time being.
Poitras Switches Agents as RFA Summer Looms
Bruins forward Matthew Poitras is making a move off the ice. The 21-year-old has changed agents, now represented by Wade Arnott of Newport Sports after previously working with John Walters of The Will Sports Group, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Poitras has spent the entire 2025-26 season with AHL Providence, where he’s put up six goals and 14 assists through 33 games. He also played 33 NHL games over the previous two seasons with Boston, showing flashes of promise but still working to carve out a full-time role.
This is the final year of his entry-level contract, and with restricted free agency (sans arbitration rights) looming this summer, the timing of the agent switch is notable. Poitras has shown enough in the minors to stay on the radar, and how he finishes this season could go a long way in shaping his next deal - and perhaps his next opportunity in Boston.
What It All Means
Injuries, returns, and behind-the-scenes moves - it’s all part of the midseason grind in the Atlantic Division. For teams like Toronto and Ottawa, the goaltending situation remains fluid.
Buffalo gets a body back on defense but still waits on a key center. And in Boston, a young forward is setting the stage for what could be a pivotal offseason.
The second half of the season is here, and every roster move, every rehab skate, every agent switch - it all matters.