Anthony Stolarz and the Toronto Maple Leafs have started discussions about a potential contract extension, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports.
Pagnotta also reported that Stolarz and the Maple Leafs did not discuss an extension during the summer.
The 31-year-old was in excellent form the Maple Leafs throughout the 2024-25 campaign but was often hindered by injuries. Stolarz emerged as a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy during the first half of the year, but suffered an injury against the Anaheim Ducks on December 12, and required a procedure to remove a loose body in his knee which kept him out of the lineup for two months. He won back the starting role upon returning to the lineup, but Stolarz suffered a concussion in Game 1 of the second round against the Florida Panthers, after Sam Bennett made contact with his head.
Stolarz did not return to the series, as the Maple Leafs were eliminated in seven games.
It will be compelling to see what Stolarz’s next contract looks like, as he’s playing the 2025-26 campaign at one of the best values in the NHL. Stolarz signed a two-year deal worth $2.5 million annually in July 2024 and was outstanding for the Maple Leafs, posting a 21-8-3 record, along with a .926 save percentage during the regular season, working in tandem with Joseph Woll. While the Maple Leafs have not formally declared a true starter, Stolarz is widely expected to take on the No. 1 role, with Woll working as the No. 2.
Dennis Hildeby signed a three-year extension on Tuesday, and will operate as the No. 3, while primarily playing with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
“I missed that little part in the middle of the season,” Stolarz said during the Maple Leafs’ end-of-year media availability. “But I was extremely happy with the way I was able to bounce back, come back, and find my game,” he said. “I owe a lot to [goaltending coach Curtis Sanford] and [Joseph Woll]. Curtis has been working hard with us ever since training camp, and it really put in the extra effort for me to get back during that injury. Just kind of the techniques and just the way he prepared us really helped me. Myself and Woller, just being able to push each other all year. We have a great relationship and I got along with him extremely well. Looking forward to the opportunity to come back with him next year.”
Stolarz has every opportunity to become the clear No. 1 with the Maple Leafs for the foreseeable future and with a rising salary cap, it will be interesting to see what a top-tier, injury-prone veteran can command.