The Maple Leafs are slowly climbing up in the Atlantic after earning another point in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. They are relying on top-line scoring from Auston Matthews and William Nylander to stay in the playoff race. Goaltending has been a key factor in keeping the team in playoff contention, but injuries have raised questions about depth in net.
With the Olympic break approaching, the focus is shifting to the backup goalie position and the changes the Leafs can make this season.
Maple Leafs Face Pressure to Trade $15 Million Goalie Anthony Stolarz Before Trade Deadline
Anthony Stolarz has become a topic of debate as the Maple Leafs consider their goaltending options. The 31-year-old American netminder, standing 6-foot-6 and 243 pounds, has shown reliable play when healthy but has struggled with injuries and heavy workloads.
Stolarz, who won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024, recently returned to the ice and took part in a full morning skate before the Colorado Avalanche game. Head coach Craig Berube said, “I think he’s getting pretty close. Just needs the reps, needs the conditioning, that sort of thing.”
This season, Stolarz has played 13 games, recording a 6-5-1 record with a 3.51 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage. While he provides important depth behind starter Joseph Woll, his salary and injury history have led to trade speculation.
NHL insider Michael Amato noted in his recent column for Sportsnet, “Out of Toronto’s trio, Stolarz would make the most sense to move if the Maple Leafs choose that route. Hildeby and Woll are much younger than Stolarz and come cheaper, while also playing much better this year. That said, if the Leafs do plan on exploring a move, it’s going to take some time to rebuild his value.”
Amato also pointed out the challenges, explaining that Stolarz’s four-year, $15 million extension includes a 16-team no-trade clause and that he has yet to prove he can handle a full starter’s workload.
“Stolarz had a dreadful start to the season, and he’s 31 with a long injury history. He hasn’t showed he can handle a true starter’s workload, so the remainder of the season will be critical in helping him look like a real asset once again,” Amato wrote.
Another NHL insider, Nick Kypreos, earlier added, “If he can return before the March 6 trade deadline and put together a few strong performances, the Leafs may explore trading him to a goalie-needy team.”
The upcoming game against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 17 gives the Maple Leafs a chance to see how their goaltenders perform. They have 10 games before the NHL pauses for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, and it may influence whether Stolarz remains part of the team’s future.
