As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a reliable goaltender capable of guiding them through the Stanley Cup playoffs, the name Anthony Stolarz has slowly crept into the conversation. The Leafs are known for their high-octane offense and playmaking prowess, but their goaltending situation has often been under scrutiny. With a mix of experienced but inconsistent starters and promising prospects, the question arises: Does Anthony Stolarz have long-term starter potential for the Leafs?
The Current Goaltending Landscape in Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending situation has been a topic of conversation for years. For the longest time, it was about whether Frederik Andersen could be the consistent, elite goaltender they needed in the postseason. When Andersen departed in 2021, it opened the door for a new era. Since then, the Leafs have cycled through Jack Campbell, Petr Mrázek, and more recently, Matt Murray, none of whom have fully solved the riddle of playoff success.
In 2023, the Leafs signed Ilya Samsonov, who was brought in with high hopes but has shown some inconsistencies. His regular-season performances have been solid, but questions persist about his ability to handle the pressure of the playoffs. In addition to Samsonov, the Leafs have Joseph Woll, a promising young goaltender, but there is still uncertainty surrounding his ability to handle a full-time starting role in the NHL.
This uncertainty has led some to wonder if someone like Anthony Stolarz could fill that void. But does he have the tools to emerge as the answer?
Who is Anthony Stolarz?
Before diving into whether Stolarz could be the answer to Toronto’s goaltending problems, it’s important to understand his background and his career trajectory. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round (45th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Stolarz spent several seasons in the Flyers’ system before making his NHL debut in 2016. Known for his big frame (6’6”), Stolarz was seen as a project with a lot of potential, but he never quite managed to become a full-time starter in Philadelphia.
In 2021, Stolarz joined the Anaheim Ducks as a backup, where his play became more steady. As a backup, he showed moments of brilliance, often filling in when starter John Gibson was injured. Stolarz’s numbers were solid, with a .915 save percentage and a 2.73 goals-against average (GAA) through his seasons in Anaheim. However, as a backup, he never had the opportunity to truly establish himself as a bona fide starter, and the Ducks ultimately turned to other options.
With Stolarz entering unrestricted free agency after the 2024 season, his next move could determine whether he has a future as a starter in the NHL. Toronto has long been a team in need of a reliable netminder, so could Stolarz fit into their plans moving forward?
The Case for Anthony Stolarz as a Long-Term Starter
- Size and Physical Attributes
One of the first things that stands out about Anthony Stolarz is his size. At 6’6”, he is one of the tallest goaltenders in the league, and his physical presence is often a challenge for shooters to navigate. His large frame covers a significant portion of the net, allowing him to take away angles and make saves on high-percentage shots. This size can be a huge advantage, especially against top-tier shooters, who often have to work harder to find open space.
His size has often been compared to other goaltenders with similar builds, like Ben Bishop and Carter Hutton, who have enjoyed solid careers despite the traditional criticisms that come with being a tall goaltender—namely, slower reaction times and lack of agility. Stolarz has worked hard to overcome these limitations and has shown impressive lateral movement and reflexes for someone of his size.
- Consistency in Backup Roles
While Stolarz hasn’t been given the chance to start regularly in the NHL, he has shown flashes of his potential in a backup role. He has proven to be reliable when called upon, especially in Anaheim, where he maintained respectable numbers despite not always playing in a starting role. His ability to step in without skipping a beat when the starter goes down with injury or needs a rest is a valuable trait for any team.
Stolarz has posted respectable numbers across his career, with a career save percentage of .914 and a GAA of 2.75. While these numbers may not scream elite starter, they are solid enough to suggest that, with more playing time, he could develop into a reliable option for a team like the Leafs, which has struggled to find consistency in net.
- Experience and Maturity
At 29 years old, Stolarz is entering the prime of his career. He has spent enough time in the NHL and AHL to know what it takes to be successful at the highest level. The Leafs, currently built around a high-pressure offensive system, need someone who can remain calm under pressure and make key saves when it matters most. Stolarz’s experience as a backup goaltender has likely prepared him for exactly this kind of role.
His maturity and experience could also play a role in helping develop younger goaltenders, especially someone like Joseph Woll, who may need mentoring as he adjusts to the NHL. Stolarz could act as a stabilizing force in the crease while providing valuable leadership for a team looking to make deep playoff runs.
- Potential for Development
Though Stolarz has been primarily a backup, there is still room for growth in his game. With a change in scenery and an expanded role, he may be able to unlock additional potential. Playing behind a solid defensive core in Toronto could help Stolarz focus on his strengths while minimizing any weaknesses in his game. Furthermore, the Leafs have a strong coaching staff and analytics team that could help refine his technique and make him more of a factor in net.
Given Toronto’s current goaltending situation, a shift to a starting role for Stolarz would not be unprecedented. In fact, it could be the opportunity he needs to prove that he belongs in that position.
The Verdict: Could He Be Toronto’s Long-Term Solution?
While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, there’s no question that Stolarz has the potential to be a long-term starter for the Leafs. His size, consistency as a backup, experience, and the right developmental environment in Toronto all point to the possibility of a successful career as a starting goaltender.
However, whether he can become the reliable, elite presence that Toronto has been seeking for years will depend on how he develops in a full-time starting role. If given the opportunity, Stolarz could prove to be a very solid option for the Leafs, but there are also other factors to consider. The team would need to commit to his development and give him the necessary tools to succeed, while also assessing other options that may emerge in the near future.
In the end, Stolarz is an intriguing option, but it remains to be seen whether he can fulfill the long-term starter role in Toronto. The Leafs’ goaltending future may still be uncertain, but Stolarz might be a worthwhile option to take a chance on.
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