Toronto secures top goalie Anthony Stolarz in surprising deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs have solidified their goaltending duo for the foreseeable future, making a notable move in the offseason by extending Anthony Stolarz’s contract. After a standout inaugural season with the Maple Leafs, the 6’6″, 243-pound goaltender impressed many with his all-star level performance when healthy. However, his journey to this new deal was not without its hurdles.
Injury Challenges and Contract Negotiations
Despite showcasing his skills, Stolarz faced significant challenges throughout the last season, particularly with injuries. Having never started more than 30 games prior to this past year, the contract discussions were complex. Nevertheless, General Manager Brad Treliving successfully navigated these obstacles, ultimately securing a deal that appears favorable for Toronto.
Analyst Praise for Stolarz
The move has garnered attention, especially from former NHL goaltender and current analyst Stephen Valiquette. During a segment on the Real Kyper and Bourne show, Valiquette expressed surprise at the contract’s terms, particularly given Stolarz’s impressive statistics.
“When I look at the numbers, over the last three years, I have Anthony Stolarz statistically, with underlying numbers and adjusted save percentage, as the second-best goalie in the NHL,” Valiquette remarked. He emphasized that Stolarz’s performance would lead one to believe he deserves a higher contract.
He continued, “Did he want the sure thing? I thought the sure thing; even if he had a bad year, I thought he’d get that number. So I thought jumping at that was a little too soon.”
Valiquette’s insights highlight Stolarz’s potential, suggesting that, despite the injuries, he is still considered one of the league’s elite goalies.
Looking Ahead
As the Maple Leafs prepare for the upcoming season, this extension not only reflects confidence in Stolarz’s abilities but also reinforces Toronto’s commitment to building a strong foundation in net. While questions about injury linger, the hope is that Stolarz can translate his talent into consistent performances, solidifying his place among the NHL’s top goaltenders.
