Maple Leafs Secure Stolarz Contract Extension
The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured a contract extension worth $15 million over four years with goaltender Anthony Stolarz, as reported by ESPN insider Kevin Weekes on Sunday. Stolarz, who is currently in the final year of a two-year deal he signed when he joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent prior to the 2024-25 season, will now solidify his role as the team’s starting goaltender moving forward. This negotiation wraps up a significant priority for the franchise.
Impact of Joseph Woll’s Absence
The agreement comes on the heels of the Maple Leafs disclosing earlier this month that fellow goaltender Joseph Woll would be taking an indefinite leave of absence due to personal matters. Last season, Woll and Stolarz shared goalie duties, and he is under contract with Toronto until 2027-28.
Stolarz’s Performance and Challenges
Stolarz joined the Maple Leafs after serving as a backup for Sergei Bobrovsky during the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup journey in 2023-24, where he excelled by achieving a league-best .927 save percentage across 27 regular-season games. Last year, while with Toronto, Stolarz played a career-high 34 matches, achieving a record of 21 wins, 8 losses, and 3 overtime losses, coupled with an impressive .926 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.14.
Despite facing considerable injury setbacks, including knee surgery that kept him out for part of the regular season and a concussion during the playoffs that limited his participation, Stolarz managed to guide the Maple Leafs to a first-round triumph against Ottawa. He recorded a .901 save percentage and a 2.19 GAA over his seven playoff appearances.
Increased Responsibility Ahead
The Maple Leafs are now looking to Stolarz not just for consistent play but also for increased responsibility in the absence of Woll. Coach Craig Berube highlighted Stolarz’s experience and capability, stating:
“He showed us last year that he can handle the load. He’s a veteran guy now. He’s learned over the years how to take care of his body and what type of shape he needs to be in to be able to handle a heavier workload, and he wants a heavier workload.”
Adding Depth with James Reimer
With Woll out of the lineup, Toronto has also sought to add depth by inviting veteran goaltender James Reimer for a professional tryout. Reimer, who was selected by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft, spent six seasons with the team and, at 37, could potentially step in as the backup until Woll is able to return to action.
