Anthony Stolarz Delivers When It Matters Most-And Gives the Maple Leafs a Deadline Dilemma
Anthony Stolarz didn’t just help the Maple Leafs close out their West Coast swing with a statement win over the Oilers-he might’ve also thrown a wrench into Toronto’s trade deadline plans. Coming off a nerve injury that sidelined him for two months, the veteran netminder picked the perfect moment to flash the form that once made him one of the league’s top statistical goaltenders.
And now, with the Olympic break underway and the trade deadline looming, Toronto has a tough call to make: flip a suddenly valuable asset or ride with a resurgent goalie who could be the team’s playoff X-factor.
Back in Form-and Back in the Spotlight
Stolarz was the difference in Edmonton. He turned aside 34 of 36 shots, including a jaw-dropping post-to-post denial of Leon Draisaitl that preserved Toronto’s two-goal cushion late in the third period. It was the kind of save that shifts momentum and reminds everyone just how impactful a hot goalie can be-especially one with playoff experience.
That performance wasn’t just timely-it was a flashback. In his first year with the Leafs, Stolarz led the NHL in save percentage and, alongside Joseph Woll, formed one of the most reliable goaltending duos in the league. That version of Stolarz looked like he was back between the pipes in Edmonton.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Uncertainty
This season, though, hasn’t followed that same script. Before his injury, Stolarz struggled while Woll was away on personal leave.
Then came the layoff, and when he returned on January 23 against Vegas, the rust showed. He gave up six goals in a loss to the Golden Knights and looked a step behind the pace.
That game was part of a brutal five-game homestand where the Leafs couldn’t buy a win. Things didn’t get better right away, either.
A 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken opened the West Coast trip and extended Toronto’s losing streak to six. Over that stretch, the Leafs gave up 30 goals and owned the worst goals-against total in the Eastern Conference-188 at the time-and only Anaheim and Vancouver had surrendered more league-wide.
It was a far cry from the team that climbed the Atlantic Division standings last season behind a top-ten defense. Offensively, Toronto has remained consistent-they’re still 11th in goals per game-but on the back end, injuries and inconsistency have taken a toll.
Chris Tanev’s absence on the blue line has hurt. So has Stolarz’s injury and early-season struggles.
A Glimmer of Hope-and a Complicated Decision
But just when it looked like the Leafs might be heading toward seller territory at the deadline, they flipped the script. After the Kraken loss, Toronto rattled off wins over Vancouver, Calgary, and then Edmonton to wrap the road trip. Woll was steady in the first two, and Stolarz shined in the finale.
Now, the Maple Leafs head into the Olympic break with a three-game win streak, a renewed sense of belief, and a big decision to make.
Stolarz’s return to form is both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, he’s proving he can still be the guy who stole games in last year’s playoffs. On the other, his resurgence gives GM Brad Treliving a tempting trade chip-especially in a market where reliable goaltending is always in demand.
Toronto has rare depth in net with Woll and Dennis Hildeby also in the mix. That opens the door for a potential move. But trading away a goalie who’s just rediscovered his rhythm-and who’s shown he can be a playoff difference-maker-comes with risk.
The Stakes Are High
This isn’t just a roster decision. It’s the kind of move that could shape the rest of the season-or even the next few years.
Stick with Stolarz, and you’re betting on a veteran who’s trending upward at the right time. Move him, and you hope the return strengthens the roster elsewhere without leaving a hole in the crease.
Either way, the Leafs are in a better spot than they were two weeks ago. And that’s largely thanks to a goaltender who reminded everyone-just in time-why he can still be a game-changer.
For now, the Maple Leafs have momentum. But as the deadline approaches, the question becomes: do they ride the wave with Stolarz, or cash in while his stock is high?
It’s a high-stakes call. And it just might define Toronto’s season.