The Toronto Maple Leafs have not performed as expected this season, with a 26-21-9 record. They are sitting in the bottom half of the Atlantic Division, led by Tampa Bay, with 13 more points than the Leafs. Two primary reasons behind the Leafs’ struggles are a weak defense that allows 3.25 goals per game and a power play that operates at just 17.6 percent.
Goaltending responsibility has primarily been handled by Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, due to Anthony Stolarz’s midseason absence. And with the NHL trade deadline approaching, the Leafs are exploring moves to strengthen their roster and address depth issues.
Are the Maple Leafs Going to Trade Their $15 Million Goalie Before the Trade Deadline?
Stolarz, Toronto’s $15 million goaltender, is drawing trade interest as the Maple Leafs consider roster changes before the March 6 NHL trade deadline. Stolarz returned to action on Jan. 23 after an upper-body injury kept him out since early November.
This season, Stolarz has played 15 games, recording six wins, seven losses, and one overtime loss with a 3.67 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage. While his performance has been uneven, Toronto sees him as a potential trade asset.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos addressed the situation in his recent Sportsnet column. “The Leafs feel they have a luxury in net like Minnesota does and could get an asset for Stolarz, but he hasn’t played well enough for that yet. A strong showing before the trade deadline might push his value up enough, and the Leafs will search the market,” Kypreos wrote.
Kypreos added that Toronto is comfortable with Woll and Hildeby in NHL roles, while Artur Akhtyamov continues to develop in the minors.
That confidence was evident in Toronto’s Monday 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames, when Woll started and stopped 28 shots. After the game, head coach Craig Berube praised his performance, saying, “I mean, he had to make some diving saves and second and third-effort saves with some of the bounces going on. He was solid tonight for us.”
Performances like that have helped ease concerns about relying on other options if a move is made.
READ MORE: Maple Leafs Insider Gives Toronto the Upper Hand in Trading Rumored Oilers Target
Stolarz, now 32, has played for several NHL teams, including the Flyers, Oilers, Ducks, and Panthers, and won a Stanley Cup with Florida in 2024. Drafted 45th overall by Philadelphia in 2012, he has handled heavy workloads throughout his career.
Despite inconsistent results this season, Stolarz has shown elite goaltending, posting a 21-8-3 record last season. He helped the Leafs defeat Ottawa in the first round of the playoffs before getting injured in round 2 against Florida. His contract runs through the 2029-30 season, giving Toronto flexibility in managing salary and roster needs.
As the Maple Leafs prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers on Feb. 3, their goaltending situation remains under watch. With Woll and Hildeby tandem working smoothly, moving Stolarz could be a way to strengthen the team for the playoff push.
How management handles this trade could have a significant impact on Toronto’s season.
