The NHL trade deadline is creeping closer, and while the Toronto Maple Leafs have had their fair share of names tossed around in the rumor mill this season, the latest addition to a trade board might catch some fans off guard.
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz has emerged as a potential trade chip, despite flying under the radar for much of the season. His name popped up on a recent trade board, and while it’s not the blockbuster inclusion some might’ve expected, it’s a development worth watching.
Let’s break down why this matters.
Stolarz’s Season So Far: A Step Back
Stolarz hasn’t seen game action since November 11, sidelined with an unspecified injury. But even before the injury, his performance left plenty to be desired. Through 13 games this season, he posted a 3.51 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage - numbers that simply don’t cut it for a team with playoff aspirations.
That’s a steep drop from last season, when he was a key part of a strong tandem with Joseph Woll. In 2024-25, Stolarz played 34 games for the Leafs, putting up a stellar 2.14 GAA and a .926 save percentage.
That version of Stolarz looked like a long-term answer in net. This season?
Not so much.
And that’s where things get complicated.
The Contract Conundrum
Stolarz is in the final year of his current deal, carrying a $2.5 million cap hit. But the Leafs already committed to him long-term, signing him to a four-year extension with a $3.75 million average annual value. That deal doesn’t even kick in until 2026-27 - meaning Toronto is on the hook for him through the 2029-30 season.
That kind of commitment makes moving him tricky, especially given his recent struggles and injury history. Oh, and he has a 16-team no-trade list, which limits the Leafs’ options even further.
Still, there’s a window here.
A Path Back - and a Potential Exit
According to recent reports, there’s growing belief that Stolarz could return to the lineup before the Olympic break next month. If he does, and if he can string together a few solid performances, that could be enough to spark interest from teams in need of goaltending depth.
And let’s be honest - there’s always a market for a goalie with size, experience, and a track record of success, even if that track record has been a bit inconsistent.
The Leafs, meanwhile, have seen Joseph Woll take the reins this season, and rookie Dennis Hildeby has been a pleasant surprise in limited action. If that duo continues to hold the fort, Toronto might feel comfortable exploring a move - especially if Stolarz shows he’s healthy and capable again.
So What’s Next?
Toronto’s front office has some decisions to make. They believed in Stolarz enough to hand him a multi-year extension, but the early returns this season have been disappointing. If there’s a suitor out there - one of the 16 teams he can be traded to - willing to take a chance on a bounce-back, the Leafs may be wise to listen.
It’s not the kind of headline-grabbing trade rumor that sends shockwaves through the league, but it’s the kind of subtle roster move that can have ripple effects down the stretch. For now, all eyes are on Stolarz’s recovery - and whether he gets one more chance to prove he still belongs in Toronto’s crease.