The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be active as the NHL trade deadline approaches. Sitting just one point out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Toronto has shown signs of life lately, winning four of its last five games and staying firmly in the playoff conversation.
Still, with limited draft picks and prospects to work with, the Leafs may need to think outside the box to improve their roster. That reality has led insiders to float a potential trade using goaltender Anthony Stolarz as a trade chip to help reshape the roster.
Anthony Stolarz’s Name Surfaces in Leafs Deadline Chatter
Stolarz has been sidelined for nearly two months after suffering an upper-body injury in November against the Boston Bruins. The team has yet to provide a firm timetable for his return. But the veteran goalie has been back on the ice in recent practices and is expected to return before the Olympic break.
On Sportsnet, NHL analyst Nick Kypreos suggested Stolarz could become an option for Toronto if he shows well. “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,” Kypreos said.
Before going down with the injury, Stolarz endured a difficult start to the season. He posted a 6-5-1 record with a 3.51 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage across 13 appearances. Those numbers, however, stand in contrast to his excellent performance last season, when he went 21-8-3 with a 2.14 GAA and a .926 save percentage.
In Stolarz’s absence, Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby have shouldered the goaltending duties for Toronto.
While the idea of moving Stolarz is gaining traction, there is a significant wrinkle: his 16-team no-trade list. That clause could limit Toronto’s options and reduce its leverage in any potential deal.
In an ideal scenario, the Leafs would prefer to maintain their depth in net. But with the team operating in “win-now” mode and lacking trade assets, difficult decisions may be unavoidable.
Toronto’s front office is believed to be searching for either a defenseman or a quality scorer up front. Given their thin supply of picks and prospects, creativity will be required. Stolarz remains an asset, but his trade value hinges on whether he can return to form and stay healthy down the stretch.
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For now, the Leafs’ next take on the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.
