The Toronto Maple Leafs have made yet another splash in the 2024 NHL free agency pool landing their backup goalie for the upcoming 2024-25 season, Anthony Stolarz. The news just broke and it is a two-year deal worth $2.5 million annually for Stolarz.
2 years at $2.5 per for Stolarz and Leafs.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2024
The Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Goaltender Anthony Stolarz
Goalie Anthony Stolarz is exactly a week away from being apart of a Stanley Cup Championship with the Florida Panthers, and now, the Leafs sign him. Stolarz is a 30-year-old, who was originally drafted way back in 2012 by the Philadelphia Flyers. However, it wasn’t until the 2021-2022 season that he began to find some traction in the NHL. That year with the Anaheim Ducks, he established himself as an NHL goalie. After a tough year for the club and himself numbers-wise too in 2022-23, Stolarz was able to get a shot with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24.
Playing behind a strong defensive club like the Panthers, Stolarz really showed his skills. He went 16-7-2 with a 2.03 GAA and a .925 SV%. According to hockey-reference, both his GAA and SV% ratings led the entire NHL, as he just had the minimum number of games to qualify for league-leading statistics.
What Does this Mean for the Leafs
Well, the Leafs need stability. In goal, yes. On the blueline, yes. And that is what General Manager Brad Treliving has been busy doing thus far. He has landed defenceman Chris Tanev, re-signed probably 2024-25 starting goalie Joseph Woll, and other moves as well. The Leafs weren’t happy with the expected number one in 2023-24, Ilya Samsonov, so what did they do, they dealt with it. This is a great example of GM Treliving being accountable, identifying weak links, and creating a strong bond with these type of moves. Stolarz is sure to show his appreciation with his play on the ice.
Main photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
