The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the continuity of their star goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, with a four-year, $15 million contract extension, as announced this Sunday. Stolarz, who is in the last season of a previously signed two-year contract, is established as the team’s main goalkeeper with this new agreement. This renewal represents a priority for the organization. The announcement comes after the news that Joseph Woll, also a Maple Leafs goaltender, will take an indefinite leave for personal reasons. Woll shared responsibilities with Stolarz last season and is under contract with the team until the 2027-28 season. Stolarz arrived in Toronto after his time with the Florida Panthers, where he was Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup during the Stanley Cup run in the 2023-24 season. During that regular season, Stolarz led the league with a .927 save percentage in 27 games. In his first season with the Maple Leafs, Stolarz played 34 games, setting a personal record. He had a record of 21-8-3, leading the league with a .926 save percentage and a 2.14 goals-against average. Despite suffering significant injuries, including knee surgery and a concussion in the playoffs, Stolarz proved his worth. He led the Maple Leafs to victory in the first round against Ottawa, recording a .901 save percentage and a 2.19 goals-against average in seven appearances. The team is confident that Stolarz will stay healthy and take on more responsibility this season.
He showed last year that he can handle the load. He’s a veteran now. He’s been at this a long time. He’s learned over the years how to take care of his body and what kind of physical shape he needs to handle a heavier workload, and he wants a heavier workload.
Craig Berube, Maple Leafs coach
In the absence of Woll, the Maple Leafs are looking for a backup goalie for Stolarz. They have signed James Reimer, a veteran, for a professional tryout. Reimer, selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL draft by Toronto, could earn a contract and become the team’s number 2 until Woll returns.
